Lakes polluted in State due to unplanned urbanisation’

MA&UD Principal Secretary M Danakishore said that as a result of fast urbanisation, many lakes in the State, especially in urban areas have become severely contaminated or encroached upon. Therefore lake restoration is crucial to maintaining the water table’s equilibrium in the State.
A workshop on lake protection and rejuvenation in urban areas was held on Tuesday in Hyderabad, where he said that the government is giving top priority for protection and conservation of lakes, especially in urban areas. Lake Protection Committees were constituted in order to cater to the protection of lakes in the Hyderabad Metropolitan Region with an aim to protect and improve lakes and their catchments.
He noted that there are more than 4,234 lakes in urban areas throughout the State. Healthy lakes not only provide us with a number of environmental benefits, they also influence our quality of life and strengthen our economy.
 He said that various GOs reflect the State’s commitment towards protecting and rejuvenating its lakes and water bodies. By implementing these directives, the State aims to ensure sustainable water management, enhance biodiversity and improve the quality of life for its residents. The government has implemented creative and sustainable solutions through a variety of schemes and programmes, such as improving wastewater treatment facilities, lowering nutrient loads through buffer zones and riparian planting, involving the community in the monitoring, using citizen science initiatives to raise awareness for the need to protect and conserve these water bodies locally.
GHMC Commissioner Ronald Ross said that a comprehensive approach is needed to address the issue of lake protection and rejuvenation with the active participation of the local community.
HMWSSB MD Sudharshan Reddy pointed out that while lakes are the lifeline in rural areas, they have become a source of neglect in urban areas due to lack of sense of belonging among the citizens.
Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration (CDMA) Divya lamented that urbanisation, pollution and neglect has severely impacted the health of many lakes, especially in rapidly growing urban areas. She felt that by combining scientific knowledge, innovative technology and community engagement, a model of sustainable urban development that balances growth with environmental stewardship can be created.