The Khajaguda area in Hyderabad is facing a threat of encroachments. The outflow channel of Khajaguda Talab, also known as PeddaCheruvu, is completely encroached and its bund is being demolished. Locals and social activists have raised concerns about the dumping of debris and inflow of toxins into the water body, as well as encroachment of the surrounding areas. The main reason for the lake being grabbed is the road being laid in the FTL area and buffer zone.
Social activist Lubna Sarwat has highlighted the issue, stating that the bund of the lake is being levelled, which puts the lake at risk of being lost. The outflow channel of the talab carries polluted water to downstream Manikonda YellammaCheruvu. Liquid wastes are entering the lake from the north and the Engineering Staff College of India (ESCI) roadside. The encroachers have even built huge rods around the fence surrounding the lake. Lubna Sarwat has written to the Lake Protection Committee to recognize the smaller lake downside of the weir of the talab.
Corporate constructions in the FTL area and the shrinking water spread are further exacerbating the problem. Lubna Sarwat suggests that an ecological heritage bench should be set up by the high court to address the harm being done to natural resources and ensure justice. She has previously filed a petition in court in 2020, but works on encroachment are still ongoing. The lake needs to be rescued as every lake is a paradise.
A local resident named Anil Rao has also raised concerns about the cementing and construction activities taking place inside the lake. Debris and mud are being dumped into the water body, polluting it slowly. Heavily polluted liquid wastes are entering the lake from the northern side and ESCI roadside, causing an unbearable foul smell. Anil Rao urges officials to remove landfills and illegal encroachments from the water body and take steps to retain rainwater for groundwater recharge. Finding a solution to make the water potable for residents is also essential.
