In this edition of IE Thinc: CITIES series, presented by The Indian Express with Omidyar Network India, panelists discussed how Hyderabad, a growing urban metropolis, can tackle issues of illegal constructions, pollution, and floods. The session was moderated by Rahul V Pisharody, Assistant Editor
AV Ranganath: HYDRAA, with its jurisdiction spread across Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and 27 other municipalities, is focused on disaster response and asset protection. It manages a large area with frequent heavy rainfall events that cause flooding and traffic problems. HYDRAA has a large force (of over 2000 staff) to deal with flooding emergencies. It also focuses on protecting public lands like lakes, water bodies, parks, and open spaces from encroachment.
Since July 19, we have reclaimed almost 114 acres of land, carried out about 27 demolitions, and removed encroachments in 12 lakes. We have started the process of rejuvenating lakes encroached upon. Most of the lakes have disappeared from Hyderabad’s map. We are also collecting a lot of information in coordination with the revenue department, irrigation department, and agencies such as the NRSC (National Remote Sensing Centre).
On pollution of water bodies
Dr Donthi Narasimha Reddy: Hyderabad and its periphery, especially in Musi river catchment area, are facing a severe water crisis due to multiple factors. The reduced water-holding capacity of water bodies was due to encroachment and filling of lakes and water bodies, pollution of water bodies with wastewater and disruption of the natural water cycle.
The introduction of additional wastewater from other basins and the pumping of water from external sources led to increased water volume in lakes and water bodies. If you look at the last 100 years, in the Deccan plateau, basically the surface water, it goes up when it rains and goes down towards summer. So the cycle of depletion and replenishment is on. With this wastewater being there throughout the year, the freshwater has no space to join. So that’s how the storage capacity of the catchment area is being undermined.
Pollution of these water bodies was being used as a tool for encroachment. Deliberately letting water bodies pollute is a weapon to degrade the ecosystem services of water bodies and thereby facilitate illegal construction and encroachment. These factors are contributing to increased flood risks, damage to infrastructure, and overall environmental degradation. To address these issues, it is essential to consider a holistic approach that takes into account the complex interplay between water resources, pollution and urban development.
On effects of urbanisation of water bodies
WG Prasanna Kumar: Hyderabad’s rapid urbanisation and industrialisation have significantly impacted its water bodies and environment. The concentration of pharmaceutical industries in Medak led to severe pollution issues. Inadequate waste treatment facilities and improper disposal of effluents contaminated water bodies.
The mixing of domestic and industrial waste further exacerbated the problem. Unplanned urban growth resulted in encroachment on lake lands and water bodies. This reduced the water-holding capacity of these bodies and increased pollution levels. The construction of residential areas around lakes led to the discharge of domestic sewage into these water bodies.
One aspect which is important is that you have a lot of residential areas which came up around the water bodies. And these residential areas, after they came up, insisted upon the lake being either a disturbance or a place where odour related issues were coming up. So when they found out the cause, it was the sewage, domestic sewage, going into the water body.
Despite constructing sewage treatment plants, relocating industries away from water bodies and enforcing stricter environmental regulations, the city continues to face challenges related to water pollution and environmental degradation. A comprehensive and sustainable approach is needed to address these issues and ensure the long-term health of Hyderabad’s water bodies.
On reasons for increased flood risk
Dr BV Subba Rao: The lack of adequate water infrastructure to handle increasing sewage generation, poor coordination between departments, a lack of understanding of urban hydrology and unplanned urban development lead to increased flood risks. There is a need for integrated urban planning that considers water management and disaster risk. It is important to assess the impact of land use changes on water bodies and drainage systems and there is a lack of focus on urban hydrology in academic institutions and engineering practices.
There is an urgent need for comprehensive risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities and develop mitigation strategies. It is important to consider the impact of climate change on urban flooding and water resources. There are more floods around the lakes but not in the river Musi. Why is that happening? And unfortunately, the academic institutions are not focussing on this. But disasters are increasing. We cannot afford such disasters every year.
Please look at a comprehensive study, which can bring actionable solutions, and you can have various stakeholders and departments — who need to develop a spirit of coordination, synergy — to deliver. We need a holistic approach that addresses these issues, including improved water infrastructure, sustainable urban planning and effective disaster management practices. By doing so, Hyderabad can mitigate the risks of flooding, water scarcity and other urban challenges.
On learnings from Bengaluru case study
AV Ranganath: During a recent study tour to Bengaluru, focussing on disaster management and lake restoration practices, our aim was to identify potential solutions and strategies to address similar challenges faced by Hyderabad. There is a need for a dedicated disaster monitoring agency in Hyderabad, similar to Karnataka’s. Effective data collection from weather stations and other sources, along with robust data analysis, is crucial. Timely dissemination of information to relevant authorities and the public is essential for effective response. The successful lake restoration efforts in Bengaluru need to be implemented in Hyderabad.
HYDRAA has been able to create public awareness and strict enforcement of regulations to prevent further encroachment of lake lands. Reviving the nullah zones is very, very important, and more important than the revival of the lakeside, because at many places, the nullahs are choked or the water flow is constricted, resulting in local floods.
So we are trying to map them. We are trying to pick up technologies which they have been using in Bengaluru for disaster monitoring and those technologies we can use here. There is also a need for better coordination between different agencies as necessary for effective traffic management and disaster response.
On restoration of lakes
Dr Donthi Narasimha Reddy: Some of the challenges faced by Hyderabad are different from those in Bengaluru though some are similar.
One challenge is that we have fossilised encroachment. We don’t know how many lakes have been reclaimed and filled up for construction. Many lakes in Hyderabad have been completely or partially encroached upon, making them invisible on maps and hindering restoration efforts.
What do you do with the toxic silt, which is there in those lakes, and which has been accumulating for several years at different levels? So when we are saying restoration, I think we need to segregate it and then understand it differently. A comprehensive hydrological plan is crucial for the sustainable restoration of lakes. This involves understanding the water flow patterns, catchment areas and the impact of urban development on water bodies. Engaging local communities and building local capacity is essential for the long-term sustainability of restoration efforts.
There is a need for a multidisciplinary approach involving experts from various fields, including hydrology, ecology, engineering and social sciences, to address these complex challenges and ensure the restoration of Hyderabad’s water bodies.
On community involvement
BV Subba Rao: Community involvement, ecological restoration and scientific approaches in lake restoration efforts in Hyderabad are important. Each lake is unique and different. Each lake needs a specific, focussed restoration. Each link tank needs a different application. We have developed a lot of local lake communities and I think it’s time for HYDRAA to get connected with local communities. Prioritising the restoration of the natural ecology of lakes, including aquatic plants and animal life, is essential.
Utilising scientific knowledge and expertise to understand the specific challenges of each lake and developing tailored restoration plans are crucial. The biggest problem our lakes have is turbidity. We are ready to extend all support and at least whatever we place before you will open up further discussions, detailed studies and some kind of training manuals.
On mitigation measures to revive lakes
AV Ranganath: HYDRAA is working with the Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) in reviving lakes. We will also look into improving the quality of water in addition to flood mitigation and increasing holding capacity of lakes. We need to do much more. We will definitely consult more experts. We will have a multi-disciplinary team. I will keep it before the chief minister. We will have to deal with various issues and will need a multidisciplinary team.
The panelists
WG Prasanna Kumar, senior social scientist, Telangana Pollution Control Board
Hyderabad’s rapid urbanisation and industrialisation have significantly impacted its water bodies and environment. Pharma industries in Medak have also led to severe pollution.
Dr Donthi Narasimha Reddy, adjunct professor, Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI)-OU
Letting water bodies pollute is a weapon to degrade the ecosystem services of water bodies and facilitate encroachment. These factors contribute to increased flood risks and harm the environment.
AV Ranganath I.P.S, Commissioner, Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency
Since July 19, we have reclaimed 114 acres of land, demolished 27 encroachments from 12 lakes. We have started rejuvenating lakes that were encroached upon.
Dr BV Subba Rao, Expert on Urban Hydrology, Environment and Pollution
We need a holistic approach that addresses these issues, including improved water infrastructure and sustainable urban planning
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