Hydra Issues Strict Warning to Builders and Transporters

Hydra: In Hyderabad, ponds are disappearing rapidly. Many people are dumping debris from demolished buildings into nearby ponds, causing them to shrink steadily. In response, Hydra Commissioner Ranganath has issued a strict warning to builders and transporters. He stated that anyone caught dumping soil or construction materials into ponds in the future will face serious consequences. The ponds will be monitored continuously, and those found dumping will be apprehended with evidence and charged with criminal offenses.

Rehabilitation of 6 Ponds:

The city’s significant ponds are vanishing. Amberpet Bathukamma Kunta has shrunk to 4.7 acres from its original 16 acres. In a similar vein, Turka Pond, which was formerly 52 acres, is now only 40 acres. Amber Pond is presently just 154 acres in size, down from its original 224 acres. Nearly every pond has shrunk. Hydra has prioritized the rehabilitation of six city ponds in this order. It has invested Rs 59 crore in the repair of these ponds. For Rs 7 crore, development work is already in progress in Bathukamma Kunta.

Strict action by Hydra:

After meeting with representatives of builders, transporters, real estate firms, and their associations, Hydra Commissioner Ranganath made several recommendations, emphasizing that Hydra is working to protect ponds, which play a vital role in maintaining the natural balance. He advised carriers and builders to coordinate in advance to decide where to dispose of the soil; if they fail to do so, the contractor will take responsibility for moving the dirt. The commissioner also warned that authorities will take action against anyone who dumps soil indiscriminately.

If drivers, vehicle owners, or construction company owners dump waste on the banks of nearby ponds, authorities will seize their vehicles and file criminal charges against them, leading to additional transportation expenses. Commissioner Ranganath also advised against filling the Sikh lands with soil. He said that officials will file complaints against those who break the rules and that the Hydra Police Station is now open. He confirmed that officers monitor the ponds 24 hours a day.

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Critical information for Saving Ponds and Lakes:
Ranganath requested information from the city’s residents regarding the individuals filling the ponds with dirt. For this, a dedicated phone number has been set up. The Hydra Twitter account is another way to make a complaint, he said. Additionally, he recommended sending footage showing JCBs, trucks, tippers, and tractors filling the ponds. Ranganath urged everyone to participate in this program, along with representatives of voluntary groups, college students, and colony welfare societies.