11 PM Drama: Kompally Lake Becomes a Victim

Hyderabad: Unidentified persons have been illegally dumping heaps of construction debris, trash, and rocks into the Jonnabanda Cheruvu near Kompally’s Alwal. Residents stated that the activity was taking place often after midnight, under the cover of darkness. They feared that the lake would turn into a landfill soon.

Local residents, speaking with Deccan Chronicle, said that trucks arrive in the night and unload tonnes of rubble directly into the lake. A resident of Vajra Enclave, who requested anonymity, said “The dumping begins after 11 pm. Nearly 6-7 trucks come in one go, and begin dumping trash, rocks and construction material into the lake.”

Colony members have also said “This has been going on for months now. GHMC and local authorities are well aware of the dumping situation, but no one has come forward to take action so far.”

The Jonnabanda lake, along with the nearby Macha Bolaram lake and several other smaller water bodies, once served as a hub for local biodiversity. These water bodies, however, are rapidly shrinking due to the encroachment and illegal dumping.

Chandrakanth, a local resident, said “Around one month ago, I went and asked the drivers who were unloading waste into the lake why they were doing so, and tried to stop them. But they pushed me off and almost attacked me. I didn’t want any trouble, so I left.”

"We thought about filing a complaint with the police and authorities, but we feared that they might create problems for us colony members, so we did not do that. Civic authorities have to take action immediately, or else the entire lake will be dried up and will become a landfill of construction debris", said another resident who requested anonymity.

Asked about the issue, A HYDRAA officials told Deccan Chronicle that lake protection personnel would be sent to monitor the site. “We will take this seriously. Our team will try to catch the culprits red-handed and prevent further damage to the lake,” the official said.