SCB discusses lake rejuvenation

HYDERABAD: Several issues were discussed at a meeting of the Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) here on Thursday. Many proposals were also approved during the meeting, which was chaired by the board president Brigadier K. Somashankar in the presence of top officials and members.  

Among the key issues that were deliberated upon included the state government’s allocation of ₹2.9 crore for cleaning up Trimulgherry Lake, and laying a pipeline to divert sewage water from entering the lake, which would be monitored by the HMWSSB. The proposal to deposit the initial cost for the construction of the pipeline was duly approved. Procuring better equipment for desilting with bucket machines that go deeper than the current ones was also approved.

Civilian-nominated member J. Ramakrishna sought an audit of workers in the cantonment as he claimed that many residents were employing housekeeping and maintenance workers for their domestic chores. CEO Madhukar Naik agreed to submit the details in the next board meeting.

It was unanimously decided that the retirement age of all employees would be 60 years while it would be 65 years for doctors and medical officers.

The development and repair of roads, underground pipes and residential buildings were discussed at length. Ramakrishna raised questions about levying tax on unauthorised constructions. The matter was kept on hold till 'unauthorised' as a term was defined in its right perspective.

Allocation of land parcel to provide parking facility near JBS Metro Rail Station also came up for deliberation. The meeting decided to engage a project managing consultancy for the development of a park at Dhanalakshmi Colony in Mahendra Hills.

It was unanimously decided to take stringent action against all those responsible for Nala encroachments.

"The damage this year has been comparatively less thanks to better monsoon preparedness. We can do better with more effective equipment," said Ramakrishna, while Somashankar suggested a map of the vulnerable areas so that precautionary measures could be in place in the future.

They took a critical view of bus shelters as they did not meet the desired standards; water tariff for metered and non-metered houses and streamlining water connections.

"Merger with the GHMC remains a million-dollar question. We will take a call when the time comes. However, if the state government is daydreaming about lands in its name, we can assure them it won't happen," said Ramakrishna.

A. Revanth Reddy, representing Malkajgiri Lok Sabha in which limits comes SCB, was conspicuous by his absence.