A V Ranganath promises Rayasamudram Lake redevelopment
HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) will take up comprehensive development of Rayasamudram Lake in Ramachandrapuram, Sangareddy district, its commissioner A V Ranganath said on Tuesday.
Ranganath said proposals would be sent to the government for approval. He added that if the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) proceeds with development based on earlier plans, HYDRAA would remove bottlenecks and extend full cooperation.
The commissioner inspected the lake following complaints from local officials and residents that development works were facing hurdles. He reviewed inlets and outlets, discussed local issues with officials and later briefed reporters.
Rayasamudram Lake, spread over about 120 acres, has scope to be developed not just as a waterbody but also as a recreation and tourism space for residents, he said. Facilities such as a walking track, children’s play area, parks and fitness equipment for all age groups were proposed. Stressing that the lake is a habitat for migratory birds, he said it must be protected in full.
BHEL coordination planned
Ranganath said HYDRAA would hold talks with Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited to construct pipelines to divert sewage away from the lake, ensuring works do not face obstruction within BHEL land. He said a sewage treatment plant would be required.
Steps would be taken to resolve technical disputes over lake lands involving BHEL and other government agencies after consultations with senior officials, he added.
Seeking to allay public fears, Ranganath said HYDRAA does not intervene in already constructed houses. “Our focus is only on removing encroachments and obstacles that block water flow, in the larger public interest,” he said, adding that compensation would be ensured through the government if removals became unavoidable.
Officials from Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority, the irrigation department and BHEL, along with local leaders, accompanied the commissioner during the inspection. He also examined how sewage was entering the lake through inlets.
