Telangana govt forms Special Cell in GHMC for protection of lakes

The Telangana Government has formed a Special Cell yesterday in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to protect the lakes in and around the city. The cell will be headed by a Special Commissioner (Lakes).

The cell will strive to protect and rejuvenate lakes within the Outer Ring Road and will work under the Urban Development Special Chief Secretary. The Government Orders were issued last evening to this effect. Lakes including the Hussain Sagar and management of the same will also be under the cell’s control. The responsibilities of the cell include preparing a Master Plan for each water body in and around the city by marking its Full Tank Level, Buffer zone, Green Zone



and preventing encroachments by forming lake protection committees. 

Relief and rehabilitation for dwellers within the FTL and buffer zone will also be taken care of. Protecting water used for agriculture, strengthening of weirs of water bodies and increasing the green cover around lakes will also be taken up by the cell.

 

The Special Commissioner will also take up rejuvenation of lakes involving companies as part of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. The cell will work closely with the Strategic Nala Development Programme (SNDP) Wing formed to strengthen the storm water drain network in the city.