HYDERABAD: While a number of rules exist on paper with respect to environmental protection, laws on solid waste management and control of pollution in water bodies do not seem to apply to the Secunderabad Cantonment Board.
A small lake located adjacent to Malani Enclave in Trimulgherry has become a dumping ground for all sorts of garbage sourced from nearby localities, ranging from household waste to construction debris and open defecation is rampant near the lake.
The lake itself has become highly polluted as sewage water is being directly let into the lake without treatment. Apart from the sewage, plastic waste covers the lake for most part.
K Venkat Reddy, a resident of Malani enclave for the last 15 years says, “There are pigs and mosquitoes breeding near it. We are afraid that some vector-borne disease will spread.” Venkata Ramana, another resident, says, “Over the years, we have complained the authorities regarding the issues ranging from the elected ward members to the CEO of SCB but to no avail.”
Blame-games to the fore
When contacted, SCB assistant engineer, B Balakrishna blamed state tourism department for the poor upkeep of the lake. He said, “The lake comes under private land and SCB has no control over it.
Tourism department decided to improve the lake and it is their responsibility.” When asked why is it that drains flowing from residential areas in Trimulgherry are being let into the lake, the explanation he offered was, “Only some small nalas are draining into the lake.”
Tourism department rejects SCB’s claims
Madan Mohan, estate officer of State Tourism Development Corporation said, “The lake does not come under TSTDC. It does not have property in Trimulgherry.”
Laws flouted
Environmental laws like Environment (Protection) Act, Solid Waste Management Rules, Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules are being flouted.