Today 25 January 2021, Lokayukta heard again the encroachments of HDMA/GHMC lake ID 4001, Surram Cheruvu, Bandlaguda, Hyderabad district, that was filed in 2016 and case number is 230/2016.
At 11.25 am the judge ordered pass over as there was no report from government nor any official present to respond. Lokayukta ordered official’s presence.
Later, lake official came, clarified to the Lokayukta that none of the constructions or highrises have any permission given. Official also told that there was political influence. When they went for survey they were threatened by locals and they had to turn back.
Petitioner argued and appealed that while Lokayukta and officials were appraised about the constructions in 2016 highrises and roads were allowed to flourish in the water body for the past 5 years from 2016 to 2021. She showed the satellite imageries in color to the Lokayukta apart from physical copies made earlier. She also pointed out the connection between a 50 acre lake encroachment and the adjacent area flooding during october 2020 excess rains.
Lokayukta ordered a HMDA Commissioner led survey of the lake with all officials , videograph the survey and submit report. Lokayukta also ordered official to take police help if necessary. Lokayukta also ordered that the survey notice be intimated to the petitioner so that petitioner can participate in the survey.
Enclosed:
1) Letter received by petitioner (attached)
2) Satellite image of 1 November 2020 with FTL geo-coordinates from official document.
3) Latest satellite imagery of the lake with high rises.
Satellite image of 1 November 2020 with FTL geo-coordinates from official document:
Compare above image with the below image of November 2017 an year after petition was filed in 2016, during maximum rains of November 2017:
We appeal to people to stand up for water bodies including channels, wells, ponds in their vicinities.
Best,
Dr Lubna Sarwath,
State General Secretary, Socialist Party (India)
Dr Jasveen Jairath
Founding Convenor, Save Our Urban Lakes
Copied to: Officials
Attachment:
Letter received by petitioner:
