The Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) and the Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) have teamed up to tackle the growing issue of waste dumping in the city’s lakes and water bodies. This includes domestic, construction, and industrial waste, officials announced on Monday.
Teams consisting of HYDRAA and TGPCB officials will henceforth work together towards real-time monitoring of the water quality in lakes and water bodies, stopping illegal dumping and seizure of vehicles thereof, a statement from the TGPCB.
TGPCB Member-Secretary G. Ravi ,emphasized the importance of controlling industrial effluents and sewage flowing into lakes. He called for better treatment of waste and a strict ban on dumping construction debris on lake banks and beds. “Water quality is just as important as the quantity of water flowing into these lakes,” he said.
Teams consisting of HYDRAA and TGPCB officials will henceforth work together towards real-time monitoring of the water quality in lakes and water bodies, stopping illegal dumping and seizure of vehicles thereof, a statement from the TGPCB said on Monday,
Ranganath highlighted the need for regular inspections and stricter penalties for those violating environmental regulations. He announced plans to install effluent meters to track the sources of chemical pollutants and enable targeted action.
The action plan also includes partnerships with educational institutions, research organizations, environmental NGOs, and local communities. Officials aim to scale up efforts across all identified lakes and water bodies in Hyderabad.
Meetings will be held with industrial representatives to ensure compliance with environmental laws, followed by strict enforcement. Special attention will be given to large real estate projects, ensuring they do not discharge untreated or partially treated effluents into lakes.
Both officials warned of tough penalties for polluters, with a special crackdown planned for gated communities and industries that violate norms. “We are committed to protecting the city’s water bodies and will not tolerate any disregard for environmental laws,” they said in a statement.
–Rashmi Kumari
