The New Indian Express 09.04.2010
Panel formed to protect lakes in HMDA area
The State Government has constituted a committee for protection of lakes in the HMDA area.
Called Lake Protection Committee (LPC), it will work for preservation of lakes till the enactment of a legislation for constitution of the Lake Protection Authority.
Among its functions are: Listing of all lakes along with FTL, taking up awareness campaign for lake protection, preparing an action plan for desilting of lakes and other maintenance works, removal of encroachments and suggesting modalities for regulation of structures in the catchment area of Osmansagar and Himayatsagar.
The Metropolitan Commissioner is the chairman of the committee and will coordinate its activities and report to the State Government.
The following are the members of the committee: Representative of the DG of Police, Commissioner, GHMC, Managing Director, Hyderabad Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board, Commissioner of Industries, Member Secretary, AP Pollution Control Board, Commissioner of Panchayatraj, Chief Engineer, Minor Irrigation, Director of Town and Country Planning, Director General, Environment Protection Training & Research Institute or his nominee, Representative of National Geophysical Research Institute, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests or his nominee and Collectors of Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medak, Nalgonda and Mahaboobnagar districts.
HMDA Member, Environment, is the Member-Convener.
The High Court a few years ago suggested constitution of a comprehensive regulatory body representing all authorities concerned to protect lakes and regulate developments in the catchment area of Himayatsagar and Osmansagar.
