Green activists cry foul over landfill

Hyderabad: A day after GHMC Zonal Commissioner for Khairatabad Mohammed Musharraf Faruqui visited the Devuni Kunta (Humayun lake) in Asifnagar, the green activists cried foul about the unabated activity of landfill and draining of water with pumps. They questioned the delay in action, even as the activity at the site increased its pace.

Speaking to The Hans India here on Thursday, former SOUL (Save Our Urban Lakes) convenor, Lubna Sarwath expressed concern that the despite assurances from higher officials in Collectorate and the formal visit of GHMC Zonal Commissioner the activity continued unabated on Thursday, more so at a faster pace. "I believe till now, no official has asked the police to book cases against these men. They are indulging in activity with impunity, even as we are alerting the officials of revenue, GHMC and even police. Once again we shall be approaching the Collector, who has the magisterial powers to contain the situation," she noted.

Congress leader and local activist Osman Al-Hajri, who also visited the spot earlier, said that that the number of men at the spot have gone up on Thursday, who can be seen building temporary sheds, while draining out water from the lake. "RDO said that this is water body whose status cannot be changed. We shall be intensifying the agitation. Notices were served about six months back, but no action has been initiated and no counter was filed," he wondered.

On June 24, while providing assurance of 'stopping' all kinds of illegal activity at Devuni Kunta (Humayun Kunta), the Revenue officials promised to restore the lake by removing road laid by private parties within the Full Tank Level (FTL).

It may be mentioned here during weekly programme of Prajavani held on Monday at Hyderabad Collectorate headed by the Joint Collector, G Ravi, a representation was made by activists of SOUL (Save Our Urban Lakes) and members of Devuni Kunta Hindu Smashana Society.

After holding discussions with the Joint Collector, he asked the RDO (Revenue Divisional Officer) to initiate action against those involved in the activity and to restore the lake.

Humayun Nagar police received a complaint from GHMC Deputy Commissioner (Mehdipatnam), M K Ali on June 14 seeking protection of the lake and police protection for Devunikunta and graveyard but no action has been taken. The official pointed out that some anti-social elements were occupying the lake and the graveyard land. "This office has inspected the graveyard with the team and found that the graveyard was encroached.

Therefore, you are hereby directed to safeguard and protect the graveyard in order to maintain peace and take necessary action against the persons who trespass it," he noted in the letter.