Jalpally lake park proposal in limbo

Jalpally: Despite approval from the government, a park proposed on land abutting Jalpally Lake has not yet come into being, and several acres earmarked for it are, meanwhile, turning into dump yard. Heaps of garbage are dumped by people from surrounding areas, presenting an eyesore. Sharing the boundaries with Rajendranagar and Jalpally, the blissful lake that spreads over several kilometres is wallowing in a negligible state as brazen encroachments have already shrunk its area to a large extent. Following pleas from concerned citizens, officials took up fencing work. However, a large extent of area still faces threat from land sharks.

"The site comes under Jalpally municipality. Loads of garbage is being dumped in the area by lorries and trolleys. GHMC officials are aware of the ugly developments, but are not acting to curb them. Thick smoke from the burnt garbage is spoiling ambient temperature and choking the residents, too. Last year when the issue took a serious turn with thick smoke filling up air, the officials turned up only to provide temporary relief by carting away the dumped trash to some other location," said Anwar, a resident.

When contacted, Jalpally Municipal Chairman Abdallah Sadi said, "The idea to develop 191 acres of land into park at Jalpally Lake with an outlay of around Rs 200 crore was mooted nearly two years ago. But a few people raised objections, claiming ownership over the land. The proposal is still pending with the HMDA." As far as the dumping of garbage is concerned, he said they even filed two cases against some people at Pahadi Shareef police station. "We will start taking action against people dumping garbage on the site soon. In the meantime we have decided to install CCTV cameras close to the site to keep an eye on the lorries and trolleys dumping trash there and will impose challans on them against such violations," he said.

"I am not aware of any such proposal at the Jalpally Lake but there is a plan to raise Miyawaki garden on 3.5 acres of land. We have already made a proposal and are waiting to get a nod from the committee," informed N.Kistaiah, Assistant Engineer Jalpally Municipality.