Manikonda residents raise concerns over encroachment of Neknampur Lake

Manikonda: Residents of Manikonda are expressing growing concerns over the ongoing encroachment of Neknampur Lake, allegedly by Ananda Homes. The residents claim that the builder is not only occupying public roads and buffer zones but is also filling the lake with RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) material, causing irreversible environmental damage and violating several environmental laws.

Speaking with the Hyderabad Mail, Shaik Aarif Mohammed, General Secretary of the Citizens’ Council, strongly condemned the actions, stating, “The encroachment of Neknampur Lake is a blatant attack on our natural resources. Immediate intervention from HYDRAA is essential to stop this illegal activity and protect the lake.”

The concern was also raised by Apna Manikonda, an ‘X’ or Twitter handle, which posted, “Shocking state of Neknampur Lake! Anand Homes is blatantly filling and occupying the lake, with RCC structures already built inside. This is a severe violation of environmental laws and a threat to our natural resources. Authorities must act immediately! @Comm_HYDRAA, @ManikondaMc.”

Shocking state of Neknampur Lake! Anand Homes is blatantly filling and occupying the lake, with RCC structures already built inside. This is a severe violation of environmental laws and a threat to our natural resources.Authorities must act immediately! @Comm_HYDRAA @ManikondaMc pic.twitter.com/nI4FySjLRl

— Apna😍Manikonda🤩 (@ManikondaM88292) November 20, 2024

B. Upendranadh Reddy, Joint Secretary of the Citizens’ Council, also raised similar issues, saying, “Encroachments on roads and parks have become the new normal in Manikonda. Despite repeated complaints, HYDRAA has failed to take any decisive action. The continued encroachment of roads in Alkapur Township is another example of this negligence.”

The Citizens’ Council is demanding an immediate investigation into these illegal activities, calling for stringent action against the encroachers and the restoration of Neknampur Lake and other public spaces.

Environmental activist Madhulika S. Choudary (@madhulikaS2) also raised her concerns, urging the authorities to take action. She posted, “@Comm_HYDRAA, please remove all structures from the Full Tank Level (FTL) of Neknampur Lake and stop the filling of the lake – this is happening for the third time in the same place this year. Please help protect the lake! @HMDA_Gov @EELakes_HMDA @CollectorRRD.”

@Comm_HYDRAA request to remove all structures from FTL of Neknampur lake & pl stop filling of lake – happening third time at same place in a year. Pl help to protect lake @HMDA_Gov @EELakes_HMDA @CollectorRRD https://t.co/UMCWGYYnST

— madhulika S choudhary (@madhulikaS2) November 20, 2024