GHMC constitutes a special committee to save lakes

Hyderabad, Dec 25: The A special committee has been constituted to save lakes in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits with a special focus on clearing unauthorized constructions in the lake beds and resolve ownership controversies.

To this effect, the State Government issued orders. The committee will be led by GHMC Lakes wing Superintendent Engineer with Chief Engineers of the civic body as members. The committee will analyze different aspects and submit a report to the government.

Many applications are being filed by owners seeking permission for constructions in private patta lands, shikham and other lands. The committee will study these applications and prepare a report on the extent of private patta lands, shikham lands etc. It will also recommend measures to be taken for saving the lakes from encroachments.

The GHMC committee has decided against opening the sluice gates of Neknampur to release water downstream, citing different reasons. Of late several appeals were received by the municipal corporation to release the murky water downstream as the entire area around the lake was being enveloped with a foul smell.

They sought the release of water through the canal but the engineers expressed reservations on it stating that frequent release of water downstream will reduce the water level and pave way for encroachment of lake area.