Hyderabad, Sept.29 (NSS): Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka has expressed concerns that Hyderabad can face the same flood crisis as recently seen in Vijayawada if immediate action is not taken to preserve the city’s lakes.
Speaking at a “Meet and Greet” event organised by the Southern California Telugu community in collaboration with the local Consulate General, the Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the alarming rate at which lakebeds are being encroached upon for construction.
He pointed out that houses are being built in riverbeds, and if this continues unchecked, future generations could face grave consequences.
“Hyderabad could be heading towards disaster,” he warned, further emphasizing that builders are exploiting the situation by using the poor as a front to carry out large-scale constructions. Bhatti stressed that it is the government’s responsibility to safeguard not only the wealth, but also the lives of the people.
Vikramarka explained that as part of the government’s initiative, steps are being taken to protect the lakes for future generations. “Hundreds of lakes have already disappeared, and it’s imperative to stop any further construction, especially in lakebeds,” he stated. Additionally, the government is planning to rejuvenate the Musi River by improving water quality and creating parks along its banks. As part of the Musi rejuvenation project, displaced families are being fully informed and provided with double-bedroom homes, educational opportunities for their children, and access to healthcare services, he disclosed.
“The ultimate goal of the government is to ensure that these families live in a healthy environment,” said Vikramarka. He pointed out that no one should have to live by the polluted Musi River, and efforts are being made to clean it up.
Reiterating the government’s stance that houses built illegally in Full Tank Levels (FTL) zones are being demolished and that decisions regarding buffer zones are still pending, Vikramarka made it clear that the government is offering double-bedroom homes to those who have built houses along the Musi River, stating that living there is detrimental to both their health and well-being.
