HYDERABAD: Out of a total of 920 water bodies in Hyderabad, 498 were partially or fully encroached upon till 2023, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka revealed on Monday.
Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat here, the deputy chief minister, using data based on satellite imagery, disclosed that 269 tanks were fully encroached. Of these, 44 were fully occupied after the formation of a separate state in 2014, he noted. A further 229 of the 920 water bodies have been partially encroached.
Stating that the government is committed to protecting lakes and government lands, Bhatti Vikramarka asked opposition parties to give suggestions in this regard.
He accused the opposition of creating confusion on HYDRAA and Musi Riverfront Development Project by levelling false allegations against the government. “Lakes in Hyderabad do not belong to me or Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy. They belong to people and they should be safely and carefully handed over to the future generations. This is our government’s agenda,” the deputy chief minister asserted.
Bhatti Vikramarka clarified that there was no scope for personal or vested agenda.
Previous govts talked big, failed to protect water bodies: Bhatti
Previous governments failed miserably to keep their promise to clean up the Musi and protect the lakes located inside the Outer Ring Road from encroachments, he alleged and added: “Is it not a fact that former chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, former ministers KT Rama Rao and T Harish Rao talked big on protecting lakes and that strict measures would be taken to prevent encroachments when they were in power? The Congress government has taken up the responsibility of protecting the lakes and handing over Hyderabad city to the future generations.”
“Hyderabad city is known for its rocks, parks and lakes that enhance the charm of the city. But over a period of time, rocks have disappeared and parks have been encroached. The lakes built to provide drinking water to the residents of Hyderabad too disappeared, exposing the city to the danger of flooding whenever heavy rains lashed the city. This government can no longer ignore the real threat to the city due to encroachment of lakes and is firm on implementing measures to protect the water bodies,” he elaborated.
Stating that the government is keen to attract the attention of the world to the global city of Hyderabad, Bhatti Vikramarka said that they are ready to listen to the suggestions on the rejuvenation of the Musi river and their doors are open for any constructive advice and suggestions.
He asked the opposition parties to come forward with suggestions on how to move ahead to benefit the people.
Assuring people that the government will not leave those losing houses in the Musi catchment area to their fate, Vikramarka said that they are ready to extend any kind of help to them. He also promised to help those living in thatched houses without house pattas in the Musi catchment area.
