The Telangana government has embarked on a significant initiative to manage and protect its water resources, with preliminary notifications issued for 269 lakes within the jurisdiction of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA). These notifications, covering lakes across seven districts including Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, and Medchal-Malkajgiri, mark a crucial step in the state’s broader lake management and conservation efforts. As of the latest update, preliminary notifications have been published for 30 lakes, while an additional 239 lakes are still under review.
During a recent video conference led by the HMDA Commissioner, it was revealed that 65 lakes have already been surveyed, with final notifications for 51 of these lakes now confirmed. The process, which commenced on August 1, aims to streamline lake management by formalising the status of these water bodies and addressing issues of encroachment and mismanagement. The state’s HYDRA agency has been actively demolishing encroachments on lake beds, especially those impacting Full Tank Levels (FTL), as part of its ongoing efforts to reclaim and restore these vital resources.
The HMDA has committed to completing the issuance of final notifications by November 1. This timeline is designed to ensure that all preliminary assessments are concluded promptly and that finalised notifications facilitate effective management and protection of Hyderabad’s lakes. The initiative reflects a concerted effort to address the longstanding challenges of encroachment and degradation, ultimately aiming to safeguard the city’s water bodies and enhance their ecological health.