Hyderabad – In a reassuring announcement for residents of Amberpet, AV Ranganath, the commissioner of the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA), confirmed that there will be no demolitions near Bathukamma Kunta Lake. During his inspection of the water body on Wednesday, Ranganath emphasized the agency's commitment to reviving the lake within two months, while also addressing concerns regarding potential encroachments. Ranganath assured locals that HYDRAA would not encroach upon houses or residential areas, stating, "Our focus is solely on the rejuvenation of the lake and the surrounding five-acre area." He mentioned that necessary actions would include the removal of invasive trees around the lake to facilitate its restoration.
While the agency is committed to protecting the integrity of Bathukamma Kunta, it has been actively removing illegal encroachments in other parts of the city. Recently, HYDRAA demolished unauthorized structures in the Nagaram municipality near Medchal and in Rajsukh Nagar Colony near Rampally. In October, HYDRAA shifted its focus to lake rejuvenation amidst circulating rumors about potential demolitions. The agency clarified that real estate ventures backed by legally valid permissions would remain untouched. Ranganath emphasized that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had clearly stated that no structures with valid permissions would be dismantled, adding, "We will strictly adhere to this directive."
The ambitious plan to revitalize Hyderabad's lakes involves a comprehensive approach, with 47 lakes across the city designated for rejuvenation. These have been divided into three packages based on budget and location. Package 1, with a budget of Rs 61.40 crore, aims to enhance seven lakes in the Khairatabad zone. Package 2 will address 26 lakes in the Kukatpally and Serilingampally zones at a cost of Rs 45.88 crore. Lastly, Package 3, allocated Rs 54.07 crore, will focus on 14 lakes in the LB Nagar, Secunderabad, and Charminar zones. As HYDRAA moves forward with its plans, the community can look forward to a revitalized Bathukamma Kunta Lake, promising a serene natural environment while ensuring that residential areas remain unaffected.