Illegal Constructions Submerged in Chintal Cheruvu Lake

Hyderabad:Some iIllegal constructions in the full tank level (FTL) and buffer zone of Chintal Cheruvu in Chengicherla are partially submerged, clearly showing that they have come up on lake land. Maps showing the encroachments bear the signature of officials, showing they were aware of the problem but took no action.

According to maps from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), more than 20 houses and structures have been constructed on the lake FTL, a zone that should have been left undeveloped to allow for natural water flow.

The lake is also encroached by structures which house commercial operations, with one of them being a catering business. Several other buildings are also under construction on the lake’s FTL. The cadastral and FTL maps and data show that the irrigation department was aware of these illegal activities for a decade, but failed to act in time.

The map of Chintal Cheruvu, which was prepared in 2013, clearly has “under construction” and “building areas” written within the lake’s FTL zone. The map also carries the signatures of the deputy executive engineer and executive engineer, indicating their acknowledgement of the illegal constructions.

Residents are alarmed by the lack of action by the authorities. They fear that continued negligence could lead to further damage to the lake, which is already shrinking due to the encroachments.

“They have encroached the lake severely. After the recent rainfalls (showing towards the illegal constructions) some of the buildings are submerged in the lake waters. But still, they keep encroaching the lake without any worries”, said Nagaraju, a local tea shop vendor who lived in the area for more than a decade.

Locals have requested the HYDRAA to demolish the illegal constructions and revive the lake.