Residents Oppose HYDRAA Works Near Sunnam Cheruvu

Residents of SIET Maruthi Hills Colony in Survey No.s 12 and 13 of Guttala Begumpet have alleged unlawful digging and proposed dismantling and relocation of a temple by HYDRAA near Sunnam Cheruvu, stating that a dispute over the land is pending before the High Court. The residents said a status quo order had been issued in the matter and that the case was awaiting judgment.

Residents and plot owners said they would be present at the site on Saturday morning with relevant documents, maps and other records for further clarification. The residents' objections came even as the HYDRAA was carrying out restoration and development works at the lake.

HYDRAA said the lake, which had turned into a drain due to encroachments, was being restored. According to the agency, the lake had shrunk to 14.20 acres and was expanded to 30.5 acres after removal of encroachments, without demolishing residential structures.

HYDRAA said a Pollution Control Board (PCB) report had found toxic substances, including mercury, lead, arsenic, fluoride and pesticides, in water supplied through tankers from the area. The agency said it stopped sewage-related operations being carried out from makeshift sheds. HYDRAA said it removed three metres of accumulated plastic waste and cleared sewage and the associated foul smell. People had begun using the bund developed around the lake for morning and evening walks ahead of its formal inauguration.

The lake development works were nearing completion and preparations were under way for its inauguration by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. Arrangements were also being made to hand over double-bedroom houses to those who had been living in huts within the lake's full tank level (FTL) area.

HYDRAA was also developing the Anjaneya Temple, which the agency said was previously situated within the lake's FTL area amid garbage and sewage. It said multiple meetings were held with temple committee representatives before taking up the development works. A gopuram was being constructed incorporating suggestions from the temple committee. A pathway to the temple and a walkway for devotees to perform pradakshinas have also been developed.

A marble gazebo is being built for visitors, while a statue of Lord Anjaneya is being installed in a water fountain in front of the temple. HYDRAA said the temple works were nearing completion and that temple committee representatives had welcomed the development. The agency alleged that some individuals were attempting to stall the works by claiming that HYDRAA was demolishing the temple. It said temple committee representatives had taken note of these claims.