Telangana govt okays special commissioner to exclusively monitor and protect lakes

Hyderabad: The state government has created the post of special commissioner, superintendent of police (lakes), to exclusively monitor and protect water bodies within the Outer Ring Road (ORR). He will report to the special chief secretary and principal secretary of MA&UD, according to GO No. 741 in accordance with the GHMC Act.

The lakes division will henceforth be a special division and the staff will be recruited by GHMC and HMDA.

The responsibilities of the special commissioner will be to prepare a master plan for each water body after duly taking stock of all corresponding aspects, preventing encroachments, initiating relief and rehabilitation for those staying within FTL, strengthening bunds and forming lake protection committees.

The SP will coordinate with various wings and departments like revenue, irrigation, HMDA, HMWSSB, GHMC, DRF, and Urban Mission Bhageeratha.

The GHMC jurisdiction comprises 185 lakes / water bodies.