Environmental activist cry foul against the apathy of Manikonda Lake
Manikonda: Environmental activist demanding to repel the GO 419 of 2014 and protect the Mushki cheruvu in Manikonda municipality. Raising concern about the Mushki Cheruvu, a freshwater lake turning into a sewage water lake if authorities don’t act on it. Mushki Cheruvu shares boundaries with Manikonda and Narsingi Municipality.
According to the environmentalist Mushki Cheruvu, Manikonda municipality is a 54 acres of fresh lake with a presence of a step well. Thanks to the GO 419 of 2014 by Hyderabad Metropolitan development authority(HMDA) which denotified the lake which allowed for extensive encroachment which resulted in shrinking of lake from 54 acres to approximately 15 acres.
According to one of the environmental activist, Madhulika Choudhary from Dhruvansh organisation, which is trying to restore Mushki Cheruvu from 2021, “this waterbody consists of Gandipet water pipeline, high-tension power electric lines, regular electric poles in water, one stepwell, graveyard, upcoming dumpyard, terribly broken weir(barrier constructed across the lake to protect the overflow) and still fresh water.”
Debris removal is not enough
Madhulika Choudhary who shot dozens of letters explaining the apathy of the lake, at last tasted success, with the authorities taking steps for the removal of debris dumped in the Mushki Cheruvu stepwell. However this is not going to be enough to protect and revive the lake, says the activist.
Speaking about the various steps to be taken to restore the lake Madhulika Choudhary said, “It is high time that GO 419, which changes the title of parts of the waterbody, be repealed. Further to reconstruct Weir of lake, outlet nala of lake, Create Immersion pond/ Nimmajanam pond at outlet and protect the lake.”
Madhulika Choudhary is also known for her previous efforts in the revival of another city bound lake, Neknampur lake into a bio-diversity park, where one can find floating plants as well now along with various flora and fauna.
CM Revanth Reddy reorganizes disaster management for Greater Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to assign critical responsibilities to the Disaster Management Department within Greater Hyderabad. He has directed officials to implement structural changes and redistribute responsibilities accordingly. In a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the reorganization with officials from Municipal Administration, HMDA, and Musi Development.
Expansion of disaster management responsibilities
Recognizing the geographic expansion of Hyderabad, the Chief Minister ordered the Disaster Management Department to extend its jurisdiction to the Outer Ring Road. He suggested including GHMC, 27 surrounding municipalities and corporations, and 33 gram panchayats within its service area. The department will be renamed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). The Chief Minister proposed appointing a DIG-level officer as the director and SP-level officers as additional directors. He also recommended special teams from GHMC, HMDA, the Water Board, city traffic, and other departments to join this new division.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the Disaster Management Department to offer continuous services to city residents, not just during floods or emergencies. HYDRA should actively address all issues faced by Hyderabad’s citizens, including preserving the city’s tanks and ponds, protecting government properties from encroachments, and managing hoardings and flex banners. Additionally, HYDRA will oversee water pipelines, electricity supply lines, drainage, flood management, and traffic control.
Focus on heritage and infrastructure projects
Chief Minister Reddy directed the acceleration of the Musi River Development Project, aiming to elevate Hyderabad’s international reputation. He stressed the importance of working towards the government’s goal of transforming this project into a landmark. He also ordered officials to take necessary actions to restore historical buildings and structures within the city. The GHMC presented a PowerPoint on various heritage sites, such as the City Library, Charminar Ayurvedic Hospital, and Nizamia Observatory etc. The Chief Minister encouraged exploring ways to develop these sites for tourism and integrating feasible ones into the Musi River Development Project.
The Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Shantikumar to draft a comprehensive reorganization plan, including staffing, duties, and budget allocations for HYDRA. He also emphasized identifying key areas where the Disaster Management Department can enhance its operations.
The meeting included Chief Secretary Shantikumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development Danakishore, GHMC Commissioner Amrapali, GHMC Vigilance Disaster Management Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and Hyderabad Water Board MD Ashok Reddy.
