Date:05/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/05/stories/2008090558000100.htm

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Outcry over pollution of lakes in city

Special Correspondent

Council members pounce on Koneru, demand constitution of panel

File photo

WHAT A PITY!: Sewage entering the Hussainsagar lake.

HYDERABAD: Unabated pollution of Hussainsagar and other lakes in the twin cities put the Minister for Municipal Administration Koneru Ranga Rao in a spot in the Council on Thursday when members cut across party lines to criticise the government for its failure to check their rapid deterioration.

Sewerage network

Members also rapped the Municipal and Town Planning wings for failing to provide proper sewerage network and allowing domestic sewage directly into Hussainsagar and other lakes.

Admitting to delay in work to restore some lakes due to procedural wrangles, Mr. Ranga Rao, however, failed to come up with a concrete plan of action against those letting domestic sewage into restored lakes like Saroornagar, Safilguda, Langar Houz and other areas.

The Minister’s response that 87 lakes, including 18 highly polluted ones, were being taken up for restoration in phases left the members dissatisfied as they demanded constitution of a House Committee to study the state of lakes.

Turning down the demand, the Minister maintained that the government was seized of the matter. While seven lakes were restored with Sewage Treatment Plants, proposals for restoration of 11 more lakes were submitted to Centre under JNNURM scheme. All he was willing to say was that Hussainsagar lake would be completely restored by 2020 with Rs. 330-crore aid received from Japan Bank for International Cooperation.