HYDRAA, the agency established by Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, has recently issued a report highlighting the alarming rate at which Hyderabad’s lakes are disappearing due to illegal land occupation. According to the agency, the initial stage of this encroachment involves builders filling lakes with construction waste and debris. Over time, this debris accumulates, blocking the natural water flow and preventing proper drainage during heavy rains, which ultimately leads to flooding.

Following the filling of these water bodies, the next phase typically involves the commercialization of the encroached land. It often begins with the establishment of makeshift shops, tents, and parking spaces. In many cases, certain politicians are implicated in facilitating these illegal activities. Eventually, unauthorized construction of apartments and buildings replaces these once-natural areas. Surprisingly, some of these constructions are even granted official permissions, which is both puzzling and against the law.

To address these critical issues, HYDRAA is now focusing on demolishing illegal structures and halting ongoing developments on these encroached lands. This initiative is crucial for preserving the city’s natural water bodies, which are vital for Hyderabad’s environmental sustainability and flood management.