Gopanapally Lake grapples with environmental crisis due to illegal garbage dumping
HYDERABAD: The residents of Muppas Green Grandeur and Skywoofs Community, located near Gopanapally Lake, face a pressing issue. The constant dumping of garbage into the lake, also known as Chinna Pedda Cheruvu, for the construction of a promenade, has escalated into a catastrophic environmental and health emergency.
Illegally garbage dumping in Gopanapally lake
Reports have surfaced regarding numerous illegal activities in and around the Thellapur area. These activities include the unauthorized extraction of lake water, dumping of debris in the lake, encroachment on footpaths by locals constructing sheds, forcing pedestrians onto roads and leading to accidents, and the presence of an alcohol shop adjacent to a government school. This situation is particularly alarming as it adversely affects the children and students in the area, as confirmed by a Software Engineer and a resident of Muppas Green Grandeur Community.
When questioned about their actions, the workers stated that a builder had directed them to construct a walkway to lower the lake’s water level to 150 feet. According to the residents, they used two pumps to drain the water, which resulted in the removal of trees from the area around the lake, causing considerable environmental damage. Upon speaking to Nagraju, an Officer at the Irrigation department, he stated that Honour Homes Company had adopted the Chinna Pedda Cheruvu under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He mentioned that the lake was completely filled with debris and that restoration and beautification works are underway.
Madhulika, an Environmentalist, questions if constant debris dumping in FTL to create a Walkway is a new rule, considering the builder has adopted the lake under CSR.
The issue was brought to the attention of the Corporator, who unfortunately did not respond adequately and provided reckless answers. They claimed that it was government land and they could do anything with it.
Next to the lake is a temple called Pochamma Temple. The area around the temple is currently used for storing bricks, and JCB tractors and lorries are also parked there. Locals consume alcohol by sitting at the temple. A resident of Thellapur mentioned that Pochamma Temple was once very famous, but now people have stopped visiting it due to these activities.
A resident has pointed out that significant changes have occurred in the area since 2021. These changes include the extraction of water from the lake. Moreover, the locals commence work at 4 a.m. every day, causing substantial noise pollution. This has reached a point where we cannot open the windows of our flat, significantly disrupting our daily lives.
“We implore the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to take immediate action to halt the extraction of lake water as Gopanapally Lake falls under their jurisdiction,” said the resident of Muppas Green Grandeur Community.
