HYDRAA Begins Foxsagar Lake Restoration; Mini-Tank Bund Planned In A Year
The lake, spread across nearly 500 acres, has been severely polluted by sewage, industrial waste and plastic: Reports
HYDERABAD: HYDRAA commissioner A. V. Ranganath laid the foundation stone for the restoration of Foxsagar in Kompally on Friday, to develop the historic waterbody into a mini reservoir and build a mini-Tank Bund within a year.
The lake, spread across nearly 500 acres, has been severely polluted by sewage, industrial waste and plastic. Heavy silt deposits have also reduced its water-holding capacity, affecting groundwater levels in the surrounding areas.
Ranganath said HYDRAA had identified encroachments on around 150 acres, and had cleared a major portion of them. He said that the restoration works would include removing nearly five metres of silt to increase the lake's storage capacity from the existing 1,000 million litres to 4,000 million litres.
He clarified that houses existing before HYDRAA's formation on July 19, 2024, would not be demolished. He also clarified that those losing plots or land would be eligible for transferable development rights (TDR) as per government rules.
HYDRAA said it would prevent sewage and industrial waste from entering the lake by setting up a sewage treatment plant (STP). Steps would also be taken to allow rainwater to flow into the lake and strengthen its flood management system, particularly in view of the flooding witnessed in 2000. The lake's bund, inlets and outlets will also be strengthened, and a 10-metre buffer zone will be prepared to protect the lake and ensure public safety.
The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) will test the lake water and groundwater in the surrounding areas before and after the restoration to assess improvements in water quality.