GHMC speedens its lake conservation plans

GHMC has invited bidding to prepare a detailed report on the lakes along with some comprehensive plans to revamp them.
GHMC speedens its lake conservation plans

HYDERABAD: In order to protect the few lakes left in its limits, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has decided to prepare a project report for their preservation based on the guidelines issued by the National Lakes Conservation Plan (NLCP). The main idea is to protect the lakes from encroachments as well as pollution.

In this connection, the GHMC has invited Request For Proposal (RFP) on National Competitive Bidding for preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR). The DPR is to be completed in about six months and should contain a comprehensive plan for the revamp of the lakes with their physical status and water quality report. After the DPR is ready, the State government will submit the same to the Union Urban Development Ministry and seek its sanction for individual projects.

The last date for issuance of RFP document is April 30. A pre-bid meeting will be held on April 16 at the GHMC head-office. The consultants have to submit their proposals through sealed covers before the deadline and the technical bids will be opened the same day. There are as many as 10 water basins in GHMC area and about 57 lakes are identified in first instance based on the extent of pollution. As many as 176  water bodies exist in and around GHMC.

If the Centre gives its nod, the GHMC can tap into the funds of the National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD), Government of India.

The objective of the NLCP scheme is to restore and conserve urban and semi-urban lakes through an integrated eco-system approach. Funds for this project will come from both the Centre and the State governments.

Environmentalists say that the rate of growth of the city is higher than the rate of improvement in urban infrastructure, especially in the sanitation sector, and this situation is resulting in pollution and also encroachment of lakes within the GHMC area.

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The New Indian Express
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