Hyderabad, May 21 (INN): Senior officials from the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) department, experts in lake conservation, members of non-governmental organizations, and startups specializing in water conservation attended a workshop today on protecting and rejuvenating urban lakes.
Addressing the gathering, Principal Secretary of MA&UD, Danakishore, emphasized the government’s prioritization of lake protection, particularly in urban areas. He mentioned the formation of Lake Protection Committees aimed at preserving and enhancing lakes and their catchments within the Hyderabad Metropolitan Region. “Healthy lakes not only provide environmental benefits but also enhance our quality of life and strengthen our economy,” he stated.
Danakishore highlighted that there are over 4,234 lakes in urban areas across the state. Due to rapid urbanization, many of these lakes have become severely contaminated or encroached upon, making their restoration crucial for maintaining the state’s water table equilibrium.
He elaborated on various government orders (GOs) reflecting the state’s commitment to protecting and rejuvenating lakes and water bodies. These directives aim to ensure sustainable water management, enhance biodiversity, and improve residents’ quality of life through improved wastewater treatment, buffer zones, riparian planting, community monitoring, and citizen science initiatives.
GHMC Commissioner Ronald Ross underscored the need for a comprehensive lake protection and rejuvenation approach with active community participation. MD HMWSB Sudharshan Reddy pointed out that while lakes are vital in rural areas, they need more community engagement in urban regions.
In her welcome address, CDMA Divya highlighted that lakes are vital ecosystems supporting biodiversity, groundwater recharge, climate regulation, and recreational spaces. She noted the severe impact of urbanization, pollution, and neglect on these lakes. She advocated combining scientific knowledge, innovative technology, and community engagement to create a model of sustainable urban development.
Special Secretary I&CAD Prashant Jeevan Patil, Director EVDM GHMC Prakash Reddy, and other officials participated in the workshop. Discussions included case studies and best practices on water body protection and rejuvenation across India, citizen participation in lake rejuvenation, and technical aspects. (INN)
