Hyderabad: In its bid to protect water bodies, the state government has decided to extend demolition of illegal structures built on lake beds across all 33 districts. This decision follows the success of the ongoing demolition drive by HYDRAA in Hyderabad, which has received an overwhelming response from the public.
"This initiative is being carried out meticulously, in accordance with government records and geological data, to ensure that our water bodies are preserved for future generations," minister Ponnam Prabhakar said in a statement on Monday.
The minister urged local communities, voluntary organisations and officials from various departments, including police and revenue, to collaborate in identifying and reporting encroachments. He encouraged residents to share evidence of illegal constructions on lake or pond sites that they come across.
Prabhakar, in-charge minister for Hyderabad district, emphasised the importance of protecting ponds and lakes. He said that the government was committed to restoring encroached water bodies across the state. "Conservation of our lakes and ponds is crucial not only for maintaining environmental balance but also for combating atmospheric pollution," Prabhakar said.
"We want to bring to the attention of everyone that the government is serious about tackling encroachment of ponds. This programme is receiving strong support from the public, and we encourage all citizens to participate actively," Prabhakar added.
Hyderabad, once known as a city of lakes, has seen many of its water bodies fall victim to illegal encroachments. The government's demolition drive aims to reverse this trend and restore the city's natural heritage, he said.
The state government also made it clear that this initiative transcended political affiliations, focusing solely on the conservation of natural resources. Prabhakar reiterated that the government is committed to ensuring justice and protecting the environment, with no tolerance for illegal activities.
The government is determined to address the issue comprehensively, ensuring that water bodies in villages, mandals, towns, and municipalities are all safeguarded.
