In a significant crackdown on illegal occupation, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRA) has reclaimed nearly five acres of land from the precious Durgam Cheruvu lake in Madhapur. The action came after authorities received complaints about large-scale encroachments that were converting the water body into a commercial parking zone.
Massive Encroachment Uncovered and Cleared
Acting on a complaint filed through Prajavani, HYDRA Commissioner AV Ranganath ordered an immediate field investigation. Officials confirmed the illegal occupation on the side of the lake adjacent to the popular Inorbit Mall. The encroachers had filled the lake bed with soil, creating a parking space that was reportedly generating a staggering rental income of up to Rs 50 lakh every month.
On Tuesday, HYDRA teams moved in to clear the area. They evacuated all parked vehicles and began the process of removing the massive amounts of dumped soil. To prevent future illegal use, officials have erected fencing around the reclaimed land. The occupied land was being used to park school buses and vehicles belonging to various software companies, and it was also obstructing the development of a planned walking track around the lake's perimeter.
A Historic Lake Shrinking Over Decades
Commissioner Ranganath provided a sobering historical context for the action. Durgam Cheruvu was once a key drinking water source for the rulers of Golconda. However, decades of systematic encroachment have severely reduced its size. From an original spread of approximately 160 acres, the lake has now dwindled to just about 116 acres.
Official records indicate that nearly 29 acres were already encroached upon by 1976, with further losses occurring after 1995. Satellite imagery from the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) clearly documents this gradual but steady reduction of the water body. The latest encroachment was particularly aggressive, with soil dumped to a depth of 10 to 15 metres, gradually extending into the lake's full tank level.
Future Steps for Full Restoration
The clearance operation is just the first step in a broader restoration plan. Authorities are now meticulously working to determine the lake's original boundaries. They are cross-referencing data from the NRSC, maps from the Survey of India, and historical revenue records to establish an accurate baseline.
"We are assessing the lake's original boundaries using NRSC data, Survey of India maps, and revenue records," stated Commissioner Ranganath. "Further action will be taken to clear remaining encroachments within the lake limits." This indicates that more such drives can be expected in the future as the agency works to fully restore and protect this vital urban water body for the city of Hyderabad.
