Encroachments threaten historic Nallagandla Lake

Nallagandla Lake: Every high-rise building, colonies and even office blocks are to be demolished, following the High Court's order on earmarking the Full Tank Level (FTL) of water bodies in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) jurisdiction.

Ironically, the encroachment is so rampant that HMDA and GHMC have no list of illegal constructions on lake beds. Falling prey to land mafia, Nallagandla Lake in Serilingampally has been another victim.

Locals allege that there are drainage pipes from Aparna Zenith/Aparna Cyberlife & Aparna Cement factory, which are under construction, being run into Nallagandla Lake. All the waste from these pipes is polluting the lake and its surroundings.

"This Lake is still in very good state and habitat to many birds. Already, it has been encroached by nearby apartments and half of the lake has also dried up due to the blockage of water inlets. Drainage waste will reduce it to ashes and it will disappear soon if it's not stopped," said Amit Sharma, a resident.

It may be noted here that the Hyderabad High Court directed the GHMC and revenue officials to protect the lake and not allow any constructions by realty firms like Aparna Constructions and Estate Private Limited in the Full Tank Level (FTL) area of the lakes. The authorities were also directed to prevent the realty firms from dumping construction debris in the lake and also from laying a road into the lake.

"Please save Nallagandla Lake from drainage water. I'm sure that the GHMC would take immediate action and respond to such activities," said Chetan Sudra, another resident.