A real estate company based in Hyderabad, called Vasavi Group, has come forward to deny allegations that it has encroached on lakes for its projects. On Thursday, the company’s directors held a press conference to address these claims. They insisted that their projects are not built on lake lands and that they are committed to legal and ethical practices.
One of the directors, Abhishek Chanda, specifically spoke about the Vasavi Sarovar project in Kukatpally. He explained that as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, the company has taken up the task of beautifying two lakes, including Chinna Maisamma Lake, which is located next to Vasavi Sarovar. Chanda emphasized that their work is focused on improving the lake’s environment and that no construction is taking place on the lake itself.
Chanda also mentioned another project in Bachupally called Vasavi Urban. He stated that, as part of their CSR initiatives, the company has also undertaken the beautification of Komatikunta Lake. He clarified that all the necessary permissions, including a No Objection Certificate (NoC) from the irrigation department and approval from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), were obtained before starting the work.
The director assured that even when legal challenges were raised, the company successfully defended its project. He stressed that all their projects are carried out with full legal compliance and transparency.
Addressing the allegations of encroachment, the director said that there is no need for the company to encroach on lakebed lands, as they have ample land available in about 10 different locations across the city. He also mentioned that they had gifted 2.5 acres of land to the government, as documented.
Lastly, Chanda informed that the company had conducted all necessary tests regarding groundwater in the area and found the water quality to be good. He also addressed the allegations about assigned lands, explaining that the land’s status had been changed by the Revenue Authorities back in the 1960s.
