Encroachment Of Ponds Major Problem In Hyderabad: HYDRA Commissioner

Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRA) Commissioner A V Ranganath today said that encroachments of ponds had become a major problem in Hyderabad.

Speaking to the media, Ranganath said that almost 60% of the ponds and water bodies were encroached upon in the city, and in some places 80% of the pond areas were encroached.

Stating that HYDRA was receiving more than 100 complaints, he said that most of those who occupied the ponds in the name of layouts were those with political backgrounds.

"There are more than 400 ponds in the GHMC area. According to NRSC data, many ponds disappeared in the last 44 years. If the encroachments of the ponds is not stopped, the situation in Hyderabad will become worse in the coming days. The main aim of HYDRA is to ensure that the ponds are protected. It is also working at protecting government properties and demolishing the encroached structures," Ranganath said.

He urged the people not buy plots in Full Tank Level (FTL) areas which refer to water sources like ponds, lakes, nalas, kuntas, etc.

"We are appealing to the people to bring it to our notice immediately if anyone is raising any constructions in the buffer zone. Action will also be taken against the officials who have given permission for such constructions in the buffer zone till now," Ranganath said.

He also said that the State government was planning to set up separate police stations for HYDRA in the coming days.