The Hyderabad Development Authority (HYDRA) is undertaking a massive exercise to identify and restore encroached ponds throughout the city. The initiative, led by Commissioner Ranganath, seeks to address the diminishing number of ponds and their environmental impact. As part of this effort, HYDRA has collaborated with the Survey of India to compare historical maps with current conditions, enabling them to gauge the extent of encroachment on ponds and canals.
On Tuesday, Commissioner Ranganath, accompanied by HYDRA officials, visited the Survey of India office to examine old maps dating back to the 1971-72 surveys. These maps, alongside more recent data from agencies such as the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), the Irrigation Department, and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), provide a clearer picture of the current state of Hyderabad’s water bodies.
The Survey of India presented an analysis of how the city’s ponds and nalas (canals) have changed over time. The data revealed not only the extent to which many of these water bodies have been encroached upon but also how their sizes and locations have shifted. The team at HYDRA is particularly focused on identifying the Full Tank Level (FTL) and establishing scientifically-backed buffer zones around the ponds to safeguard them from further encroachment.
This project is essential for the city’s water management and flood control. Over the past few decades, several of Hyderabad’s historic ponds have either disappeared or drastically reduced in size due to rapid urbanization. By reclaiming and restoring these ponds, HYDRA aims to improve the city’s ecosystem and reduce the risks of flooding and water scarcity. The restoration process may involve the demolition of unauthorized structures built on these pond areas.
The HYDRA team believes that this exercise will be crucial for planning the future of Hyderabad’s water resources. As they continue with their assessments and collaboration with multiple agencies, they intend to take concrete actions to protect and rejuvenate the city’s network of ponds.
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