Collector vows to restore lake, tells RDO to initiate action

Hyderabad: While providing assurance of 'stopping' all kinds of illegal activities at Devuni Kunta (Humayun Kunta), the revenue officials promised to restore the lake by removing road laid by the private parties within the Full Tank Level (FTL).

At a weekly programme of Prajavani held at Hyderabad Collectorate, headed by Joint Collector G Ravi, a representation was made by activists of SOUL (Save Our Urban Lakes) and members of Devuni Kunta Hindu Smashana Society. Following the discussion, the Joint Collector asked the RDO (Revenue Divisional Officer) to initiate an action against those involved in the activity and to restore the lake.

During the interaction with the officials, the activists brought to light the provision under Section 48 of Telangana Area Irrigation Act and the High Court's order. They questioned as to why the officials had failed to file a counter against the private party, which got stay from the courts. They also questioned as to why Collectorate failed to file a police complaint.

"We asked him about the assurance he is giving us regarding restoration of lake. We told that this lake is very vital to pool rainwater and to raise water tables of Asifnagar mandal. The members of Devuni Kunta Hindu Smashana Society told the JC that bores are dried up and they have to purchase water at an expensive price. They wanted water table to rise. They also demanded that the main gate of graveyard be opened and road laid by encroachers inside the lake be removed," said Lubna Sarwath, ex-Convenor of SOUL.

Humayun Nagar police received a complaint from GHMC Deputy Commissioner (Mehdipatnam) MK Ali on June 14 seeking protection of the lake, and police protection for Devuni Kunta and graveyard is yet to act. The official pointed out that some illegal social elements were occupying the lake and the graveyard land.

"This office has inspected the graveyard with the team and found some illegal occupants at the graveyard. Therefore, you are hereby directed to safeguard and protect the graveyard in order to maintain peace and to take necessary action against the persons who trespass it," the official noted in the letter.