HYDRAA Begins Fencing Edulakunta Lake to Reclaim Land
HYDRAA initiates the fencing of Edulakunta lake after reclaiming 6.05 acres from encroachment. The efforts aim to protect real estate valued at ₹1,800 crore amidst claims of jurisdictional overlap and influenced officials.
Highlights
- •Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency
- •Edulakunta Lake Reclamation
- •Interconnected Water Bodies in Madhapur
- •National Green Tribunal Investigation
HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has commenced fencing efforts at the reclaimed Edulakunta lake in Madhapur, an area covering approximately 6.05 acres of once-encroached land, officials announced. According to HYDRAA, the lake's recovery is part of a broader initiative aimed at safeguarding valuable real estate worth around ₹1,800 crore.
Reclamation Efforts and Environmental Issues
The attempt by encroachers to claim this extent was facilitated due to jurisdictional ambiguities between Kukatpally and Serilingampally villages. HYDRAA noted that permissions were granted in the 2021-23 period for construction on Kukatpally village grounds, while actual building activities began in areas belonging to Serilingampally limits. Sources claim that officials from the irrigation, revenue, and municipal departments were possibly influenced during this process.
HYDRAA explained how the lake's water supply was disrupted through a flood canal that once enabled surplus water transfer from Thammidikunta. The canal's alleged diversion led to the lake drying out, making it an inviting target for encroachment attempts.
The agency also reported that the contours and boundaries of Edulakunta were altered prior to local residents seeking intervention from HYDRAA.
Interconnected Water Bodies Under Scrutiny
Edulakunta is not in isolation; it forms part of an interconnected chain of water bodies that includes Thammidikunta and Sunnam Cheruvu. These water bodies are currently under investigation by the National Green Tribunal.
To restore Edulakunta's functionality, HYDRAA has focused on demarcating boundaries and restoring feeder channels that feed into the lake from Thammidikunta.
"Reclamation efforts," HYDRAA emphasized, "will ensure not only environmental protection but also safeguard valuable real estate in Madhapur."The agency stated that clearing debris and setting up fencing were part of a larger operation to protect land worth approximately ₹1,800 crore.
