Centre allows Telangana to use forest for reservoir

The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests has granted Forest Clearance permission to resume 409.53 hectares of the forestland for the construction of Keshavapuram reservoir meant for meeting the drinking water needs of Hyderabad on a permanent basis.

The state government has proposed the  construction of the 10 TMC capacity Keshavapuram reservoir at Shamirpet in Medchal and Malkajgiri district, which will receive Godavari water from Kondapochamma reservoir under the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme.

According to the state government the Reservoir is being constructed in view of the rise in demand for drinking water of Greater Hyderabad.

It was said that from the reservoir, water can be supplied to the city via Lingampally and Sainikpuri after synchronising the distribution network with the Godavari ring main.

The Chief Minister’s Office informed that the Telangana Forest Ministry has received the clearance letter from the Union Forest Ministry.