Telangana CM Stands Firm Against Lake Encroachments

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy vowed to eliminate lake encroachments, even by influential individuals, following the demolition of a center co-owned by actor Nagarjuna. Speaking at a Hare Krishna event, Reddy emphasized adherence to Dharma. The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency led the crackdown on illegal structures.

A day after authorities demolished a convention centre co-owned by actor Nagarjuna, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy pledged his government would not spare those encroaching on lakes, irrespective of their societal influence.

Addressing a Hare Krishna Movement event, Reddy stated he would follow Lord Krishna's teachings of upholding Dharma to fight Adharma, for the greater good of the people.

On Saturday, officials from Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), GHMC, Town planning, irrigation, and revenue departments dismantled illegal structures in the Full Tank Level and Buffer zones of Tammidikunta lake. Among these was the N-Convention centre, which lacked building permission.

Restating commitment to protecting lakes, Reddy asserted, "Despite pressures, we will crush encroachments with an iron hand. Others may have farmhouses, but HYDRAA was created to safeguard lakes and government properties."

He highlighted that lakes are integral to Indian culture and livelihoods. Some farmhouses near lakes release sewage into drinking water bodies like Gandipet, which serves part of the city's water supply. Reddy vowed to maintain the legacy of the Nizam administration, which established the city's lake chain after the 1908 deluge, with engineer Mokshagundam Vishvesvaraya's expertise.

(With inputs from agencies.)