Hans News Service Hyderabad

HyderabadDisaster Response and Asset Protection Agency Commissioner AV Ranganath on Wednesday inspected Banjara lake on Road Number 01 to address pollution and illegal occupations. Accompanied by MLA Danam Nagendar, the Commissioner noted that the water body was being significantly polluted by sewage and plastic waste from upstream. He requested a comprehensive report on the protection of government land and lake rejuvenation. Warning of strict action against constructions that block canals and cause flood risks, Ranganath assured that the lake will be preserved without encroaching on residential areas. He stated that a transparent inquiry involving both complainants and encroachers will be conducted, with development works commencing upon government permission. Locals also alleged that the Taj Banjara Hotel has encroached on the path to the Kattamaisamma Temple, blocking public access.

Continuing the inspection following complaints received at HYDRAA Prajavani, the Commissioner visited other water bodies including Ongoni Kunta, Kanakayya Kunta, Marrivanka Kunta, and Errakunta in the Mamidipally and Shamshabad areas. Residents complained that these ponds are vanishing and residential areas are being inundated during rains because connecting flood canals are arbitrarily blocked. Ranganath assured residents that a meeting would be arranged with encroachers, failing which HYDRAA will intervene to remove obstructions. Meanwhile, the agency cleared a road encroachment in New Bhoiguda, Secunderabad, by removing an illegally constructed house that blocked a twenty-foot road. Residents had reported that the structure, built without permission, occupied ten feet of the road over fifty yards, making vehicle passage impossible. After verification, HYDRAA officials confirmed the site as a public road and demolished the unauthorised structure to restore the path for public use. This crackdown signals a renewed push by the agency to protect urban water bodies and ensure that public infrastructure remains free from illegal commercial or residential obstructions across the metropolitan region to prevent future flooding.