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Convenor:
Dr. S. Jeevananda Reddy
Letter to Vice Chairman HUDA on "Multi level Complex in Necklace Road
HUDA Public Consultation Programme on 10 th October
2005
PROTECTION OF HUSSAIN SAGAR, A Heritage Site
Request for notification of the
Hussainsagar Lake as a Heritage structure
DISTRUCTION OF HUSSAIN SAGAR LAKE
Hussain Sagar: Tourism threatens its Survival
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| Forum/2006 |
21st March 2006 |
To:
Shri. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS
Vice-Chairman
Hyderabad Urban Development Authority
Hyderabad
Sub: Reg. Seeking reply on the report appeared in Eenadu regarding proposed Construction of a Multilevel Parking Complex in Necklace Road
Ref: Our letter dated 15 th March 2006 (Annexture II) & your response to my letter dated 17 th March 2006 (Annexture I)
Dear Jayesh Ranjan Garu,
This is in continuation to my earlier letter and your reply to my letter that I would like to bring to your kind notice the following points:
The Technical Committee of APPCB met all the stakeholders on 6.7.2001 on Buddha Poornima Project with reference to the Hon'ble High Court judgment dt. 15.6.2001 on W. P. No. 23768 of 2000. In this discussion one of the four projects relate to “Amusement Park in the vacant land of NTR gardens” -- That means, it is not meant for parking complex as proposed now by HUDA but it is meant for Amusement Park.
At the out set we would like to reiterate that NTR Garden, IMAX Theatre and the 2.5 acres area now proposed for construction of Multi-Level parking facilities, are in the land originally farming part of Hussain Sagar Lake. This land mainly comprises of reclaimed area from Hussain Sagar due to bunding of the lake area, consequent to lying of the road, now known as NTR Marg.
HUDA as Buddha Purnima Greenbelt had developed this reclaimed land, by planting more than 8000 plants in 1993 as part of Urban Forestry Programme. By doing so HUDA has sought to improve the environment and ecology of the reclaimed area. Moreover the 4 hectares area of Buddha Purnima Project, now allotted for establishment of IMAX Theatre and the adjacent open area earmarked for Amusement Park, was shown as water body, vide Land use Certificate issued on 11-7-1995, till its land use was changed to commercial use in 1995.
We would like to emphasize that the High Court order dated 15-6-2001 precludes raising of any further permanent structures including those involving commercial activities, on or near water spread or catchment area of Husain Sagar. However, the other aspects of the proposed activities via, construction of an amusement park etc (not involving raising of permanent structures) may be allowed with prior clearance of AP PCB ensuring that creation of such entertainment parks etc would result only in sustainable development which would not create any ecological imbalance. This clearly says that there should not be any permanent structures [multi-level parking is a permanent structure, no body can deny this fact] on or near water spread or catchment.
Therefore the contention of HUDA that the proposal to construct Multi-Level Parking facility, in 2.5 acres land, which was originally part of water body and subsequently converted for commercial use – namely amusement park – will not be in deviation of the Hon'ble High Court Order in WP No. 23768 of 2000 is not correct and tenable.
Your observation “the Hon'ble Supreme Court Committee has commented that the NTR Gardens are now on relatively high ground and therefore, may be left alone” does not imply to construct a highly polluting activity like permanent structure of multi-level car parking. Concentrated parking facilities always create more traffic and pollution problems rather than solving them.
The main issue dealt by the Technical Committee of APPCB relate to traffic problems, air pollution and noise pollution. In this connection, the committee said that there could be no net addition of vehicular traffic and consequently net addition of air pollution attributable to the developments proposed, on all roads surrounding the lake. In this connection the Technical Committee proposed that “public convenience shall be provided by the project proponents for the use of the public visiting these places. The bus service circling the lake as suggested by Charles Correa should be considered for implementation. This will reduce the visitors to the project area using their own vehicles for access to different components of the Buddha Poornima Project; The proposed road from the lake to the Secretariat on the northeastern side shall be a pedestrian way only; No entry shall be provided to Amusement park and I-max theatre from NTR Marg and these two along with NTR gardens can be interconnected to permit internal pedestrian movement, etc”.
What all these means is that to visit any component on and around Hussain Sagar lake shall be interconnected with pedestrian pathways with bus-bays on a circular path using non-polluting buses around the Hussain Sagar – now even the MMTS stops are available for visitors these could be effectively utilized. The parking of vehicles can be made at different points on different sides not connecting directly Hussain Sagar Surroundings/catchment area.
Here we would like to bring to your notice “The Times of India” [21.3.2006 on page 4] report with a caption “Necklace Road: High-risk zone”, wherein it reported the death of a child at Eat Street on Necklace road by a speeding vehicle. This is all happened basically because the indifferent attitude of concerned officials who do not want displease the powerful people running the commercial establishments around the Hussain Sagar lake with high connection at seat of power keeping a nilson's eye on the illegal constructions/activities and not implementing the APPCB Technical Committee suggestions.
Appeal: The proposed Multi Level Parking facility for 1000 vehicles, to cater for the future levels of growth is a myth. Unless the efficient and affordable Public Mass Transport System is developed, no amount of Parking facilities, Widening of Roads, Building of Flyovers etc will be able to cater for the growing levels of personalized vehicular traffic. “It is like trying to cure obesity by loosening the belt”
We, therefore, appeal the authorities to create more appropriate and pragmatic parking-sites at different places outside the Hussain Sagar purview/catchment area and making the interconnections through non-polluting buses [and using MMTS stops] by connecting bus-bays to internal pedestrian pathways to all components on or around Hussain Sagar Lake. The parking needs of secretariat could be met within the secretariat compound itself. It is not a good idea to please the secretariat at the cost of Hussain Sagar Lake environment.
Looking forward for your early response
With Regards
Yours truly,
S/D, 15 th March 2006
[Dr. S. Jeevananda Reddy]
General Secretary
Forum For A Better Hyderabad .
Annexure I
Dear Dr. Jeevananda Reddy Garu,
This is with reference to your letter of 15 th March 2006 regarding construction of multi level parking complex on Necklace road, about which a news item appeared in the Eenadu on 11 th March 2006. The factual position in this matter is as follows:
A large number of visitors are coming to HUDA's NTR Gardens, Lumbini Park and Laser Show in their own vehicles. The present parking facility available on the NTR Marg (outside NTR Gardens) and adjacent to Lumbini park is completely inadequate due to which most of the vehicles are found parked on the main road itself, causing inconvenience to the traffic flow.
HUDA has therefore decided to construct new parking facilities to cater to all the vehicles that are coming to the above mentioned locations. Keeping in view the levels of growth in the city, the proposed parking facility will cater to thousand vehicles cars and will be necessarily multi level. A part of rear side of NTR Gardens area (measuring 2.5 acres) has been identified for this purpose. Neither the location selected, nor the nature of construction planned, will be in deviation of the Hon'ble High Court judgment in WP No.23768 of 2000. The location so selected is neither on or near the water spread area or in the catchment area. All necessary approvals of the A.P. Pollution Control Board will be obtained as required by the above mentioned judgment.
The committee constituted by Hon'ble Supreme Court in SLP 5594/95-04 to report upon the encroachments and pollution levels in the Hussain Sagar Lake in its recommendations has observed that the four car parks on the Necklace Road , namely, at People's Plaza, Necklace Road Railway Station, North of Khairatabad STP and opposite I-Max Theater, should be closed down. Once these recommendations are implemented, there will be no parking facility at all for visitors to that area except the one which is now proposed. Moreover, parking space requirements in the Secretariat is also rapidly increasing. The proposed Multi level parking facility in NTR Gardens can accommodate this requirement also.
While recommending serious action against various activities in and around Necklace road, regarding NTR Gardens, the location of the proposed Multi level parking complex, the Hon'ble Supreme Court Committee has commented that the “NTR Gardens are now on relatively high ground and therefore, may be left alone”, implying that the activities in the NTR Gardens are neither contributing to the lake's pollution, nor can be construed as encroachments in any way.
The decision to construct Multi level parking to cater to thousand vehicles in an area of 2.5 acres within NTR Gardens has been taken after examining all the factors as explained above.
Yours sincerely
Jayesh Ranjan, IAS
Vice Chairman,
Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (HUDA)
Annexure II |
| Forum/2006 |
15th March 2006 |
To:
Shri. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS
Vice-Chairman
Hyderabad Urban Development Authority
Hyderabad
Sub: Seeking reply on the report appeared in Eenadu regarding proposed Construction of a multilevel parking complex in Necklace Road
Dear Jayesh Ranjan Garu,
I, on behalf of Forum For A Better Hyderabad, would appreciate getting a reply on the report appeared in Eenadu [11 th March 2006] that HUDA is planning to construct a multilevel parking complex in Necklace Road to accommodate around 1000 cars at a time – tenders will be closed by 23 rd March 2006. The location of this is cited at between Imax Theatre and NTR Garden on an area of 2.5 acres. The report also says that you have mentioned that there is no restriction for construction of such a multi-storied building.
In this regard I would like to bring to your kind notice the judgment by Hon'ble High Court with reference to W. P. No. 23768 of 2000, judgment delivered on 15 th June 2001 says as follows [main portion of the judgment]:
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No further permanent structures including those involving commercial activities may be allowed to be raised on or near the water spread or catchment area;
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It also directed that the construction of an amusement park etc may be allowed subject to examination and certification by AP Pollution Control Board that creation of such entertainment parks etc would result only in sustainable development and would not create any ecological imbalance.
In pursuance of this direction, committee consisting of all stakeholders, the Technical Committee of APPCB stipulated the condition that the net traffic flow should not increase though all these projects -- Unfortunately, around Necklace Road Jungle Raj is prevailing with no government agency having control, the Food Court and Jalavihar managements are going ahead with illegal constructions in violation of CFE order given by APPCB. Even liquor is sold here!!! Most unfortunate!!!
We, therefore, appreciate getting a reply that whether the Eenadu report is correct or not. If not, what is correct version?
Looking forward for your early response
With Regards
Yours truly,
S/D, 15 th March 2006
[Dr. S. Jeevananda Reddy]
General Secretary,
Forum For A Better Hyderabad.
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FORUM FOR A BETTER HYDERABAD
8-2-590/B,
Road No.1, Banjara Hills,
Hyderabad
– 500 034
Forum /
2005
October 12, 2005
The Vice
–Chairman & Managing Director
Hyderabad
Urban Development Authority,
Paigah Palace, Police lines
Secunderabad -500 003
Sir,
Sub: HUDA Public Consultation Programme on 10 th October
2005
At the outset we would like to thank HUDA and
BPPA for giving an opportunity once again to the representatives of
the FORUM to participate in the Public Consultation Programme on
“Hussainsagar
Lake and Catchment Area Development”
held on 10th October 2005. We also take this opportunity
to compliment HUDA for the efforts being made by HUDA to protect
and preserve some of the lakes in and around Hyderabad.
Further to our
views expressed on the subject, in letters dated 20-10-2003 and
20-11-2003 and at the Public Consultation Programme held on 10 th
October 2005, we would like to reiterate that to restore
Hussainsagar lake to its past glory in all respects,
it is essential to:
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Prevent
further shrinkage of the water spread area of the lake, and
to clearly notify and demarcate the water spread area of MTL and
FTL
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Remove
unauthorized / illegal structures within notified water spread
area up to MTL
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Fence
(not high wall) the demarcated water spread area of MTL and
undertake suitable plantation of the area between MTL and FTL,
where ever practicable, to act as bio-filter, which is not to be
permitted for reclamation, landscaping by lawns, paved
pathways etc
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Prevent further inflow of untreated and under-treated domestic
sewage, industrial effluents etc and dumping of toxic materials
in the lake, AND
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Clean
up, improve and protect shoreline and catchment area of the lake
before taking up dredging and disposal of hazardous lake
sediments.
Water
Spread Area
As per the
presentation paper made available on 10 th October, the Maximum and
the Present Water Spread Areas are 5.70 Sq.Kms (1408 Acres)
and 4.81 Sq.Kms (1188 Acres) respectively, with FTL of
513.43 M and the volume of 27.18 MCM at Spill Level of
the lake. The Surplus Weirs need to be suitably designed or
strengthened to facilitate, only the water in excess of FTL of
the lake is discharged. This arrangement will improve the water
holding capacity of the lake.
Development
Components
We generally agree with the
development components proposed in the presentation paper, with
regard to 1) Sewerage Treatment 2) Catchment Area Improvement 3)
Shoreline Improvement and 4) Social Development, by
incorporating the suggestions made above. But we do not agree with
the proposal for resorting straight away to dredging and
disposal of hazardous lake sediments. The treated water from
STPs should conform to the standards specified for reusable water
or for discharge into surface waters. Immediate action needs to
be taken in respect of the existing 20 MLD STP, whose discharges
into Hussainsagar are not in conformance with the above standards
and are in violation of the
provisions of EP Act , 1986
Dredging
and Disposal of Hazardous Sediments
The
STPs will not be able to degrade, or remove or reduce the total
load, of the toxic substances and chemical compounds, that find
their way into the sewers / drains from Hospitals, Nursing homes,
Clinical labs, Chemical laboratories etc except diluting their
concentration levels. The other aspect is the storm-water run off
contaminated with hazardous substances, finding their way directly
into the lake through storm water drains. Before planning dredging
operations, it is essential to identify both point source and
non-point sources of hazardous pollutants like Arsenic, Mercury,
Cadmium, Lead etc and to take necessary steps for preventing them
entering into the lake.
Conclusion
The priority may please be given to the components,
other than the dredging and disposal of hazardous sediments, with
focus on protection and preservation of water spread area of the
lake and identifying & preventing the hazardous wastes entering the
lake. The break up of estimated costs for different components, the
time schedule, progress of implementation of the project etc may
please be made available on the website apart from frequent
interaction with the stake holders and the community.
Thanking
you.
Yours cordially,
Capt.J.Rama Rao I.N.
(Retd)
Chairman
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Forum For A Better Hyderabad, since its inception
has been striving to protect water bodies in Andhra Pradesh in general
and in around twin cities of Hyderabad & Secunderabad in particular
including Hussain Sagar, Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar Lakes.
Hussain Sagar Lake,
built in 1562 A.D. is a treasure and heritage water body of
Hyderabad
and it falls within the limits of HUDA. It has been an ecological
asset of the twin cities, as its water spread has not only kept the
climate of the twin cities in equilibrium but also helped ground water
recharge in the areas around it. The water of the lake served the
drinking needs upto around 1930. This also protected the citizens
living in low-lying areas around the lake from imminent threat from
floods.
Various encroachments have been taking place in around the
lake over the the last 40 years or so, particularly by government
agencies. Unfortunately, to make confusion more confounded,
Hussain Sagar Lake
is put under the control of several government agencies, such as HUDA,
Buddha Poornima Project Authority (BPPA), MCH and
Tourism
Department
etc.
According to the HUDA notification “Save
Lakes for a Better Future” dated 4th May 2000 the lake area
was 1356 acres but HUDA on 11th November 2003 at a public
consultation workshops on “Restoration and management of Hussain Sagar
waters” gave it as 1066 acres – reduced by 290 acres. It is now
further reduced.
To protect
Hussain Sagar Lake,
Forum filed several PILs in the Hon’ble High Court of Andhra Pradesh.
The outcome of these is as follows:
1.
W.P. No. 23768 of 2000, judgement delivered on
15/06/2001: the operative part of the judgement is – (a) No
further permanent structures including those involving commercial
activities may be allowed to be raised on or near the water spread or
catchment area; (b) It also directed that the construction of an
amusement part etc. may be allowed subject to examination and
certification by AP Pollution Control Board that creation of such
entertainment parks etc. would result only in sustainable development
and would not create any ecological imbalance.
2.
W.P. No. 13656 of 2003, judgement delivered on
16-10-2003: the operative part of the judgement is “the
respondents are directed to take all possible measures to protect the
water spread area of Hussain Sagar Lake both from private persons and
the government authorities as required under law”
3.
W.P. No. 7848 of 2003, judgement delivered on
20-07-2004: “(a”) We direct the APPCB to enquire into the said
allegation and to take appropriate steps in accordance with law for
reclaiming the lake if the allegation is found to be true; and (b) We
make it clear that the Board shall ensure strict adherence to the
conditions laid down in the final clearance dated 15-03-2003 and shall
call upon the 5th respondent to file the necessary
compliance reports from time to time. The Board shall also constantly
monitor the project in question during the construction and even
thereafter to ensure that all its activities are in consonance with
the provisions of the environmental laws. In case, any violation is
found, it is open to the Board to take the necessary action in
accordance with law”.
4.
W.P. No. 7426 of 2004, judgement delivered on
13-09-2004: “We direct that the 4th respondent
board (APPCB) shall continue to monitor, as to the conditions imposed
by it from time to time and shall take appropriate steps as required
under law to protect Hussain Sagar Lake from pollution and from
violation of the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
or the Water (Prevention and Control Pollution) Act 1974. If, at any
time, during the periodical inspection, it is found that the
conditions laid down by the 4th respondent-Board are
violated by respondent No. 6 (Food Courts), stringent action as
required under law shall be taken”
5.
W.P. No. 24937 of 2004: This is with
reference to cremation of Sri P.V. Narasimha Rao, Late Prime Minister
of India by filling the lake against the earlier Hon’ble High Court
judgements.
Unfortunately, most
of these judgements are confined to the paper and violations are
taking place with the tacit support of the same agencies. Though the
Hon’ble High Court has asked the APPCB to take action as per law
against violators of its consent order conditions, to today no action
was take on such even after Forum’s personal and written
representations to APPCB.
In this connection
Forum submitted a memorandum on 19th June 2004 to Dr. Y.S.
Rajasekhara Reddy, Hon’ble Chief Minister in which Forum requested
that HUDA should be asked to demarcate the FTL (Full Tank Level) and
from there 30 meter buffer belt should be maintained. This will
facilitate the detection and removal of all those illegal
constructions in violations of court deliveries / PCBs directives.
Forum also submitted a memorandums to Chief Secretary of GOAP on 18th
February 2005 and
13th April, 2005,
wherein the Govt. was requested to constitute a committee consisting
of concerned citizens under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary to go
through all aspects of Hussain Sagar Lake in the spirit of Hon’ble
High Court’s judgements and putforth concrete recommendations to
maintain ecological balance in and around Hussain Sagar Lake and
protect the lake from further shrinkage.
To contain the
violations in future and to take appropriate action against the
violations already committed and contain the air and water pollution,
the following suggestion need to be studied and implemented.
§ Demarcate
FTL and 30 metre buffer belt as per the 4/5/2000 HUDA notification &
Hon’ble High Court judgement dated 20/07/2004 of W.P. No. 7848 of
2003;
§
Build
separate ponds for immersing Ganesh Idols as proposed by MCH-towards
Minister Road – Hon’ble High Court in W.P. No. 13656 of 2003 (judgement
dated 16/10/2003)
§ Increase
the water holding capacity of the lake by blocking permanently
existing sluices in the tank bund so as to prevent the discharge of
lake waters in the normal course and only the water in excess of MFL
of the lake is discharged. This arrangement will improve the water
holding capacity and enable the maintenance of lake water level
between FTL and MFL most of the time;
§ The
dredged material [highly contaminated soil] used for the development
of 18 meter width and 1300 meter long shoreline all along the road
from Sanjeevaiah Park to Nest Hotel, not only reduces the lake area
but also the toxic content is likely to find its way in to the lake
through leaching;
§ The
proponents of different projects must remove the debris used to fill
the lake as directed by the Hon’ble High Court judgement dated
20/07/2005 of W.P. No. 7848 of 2003.
§ The
APCCB must take stringent action against the violations by resorting
to demolition of structures violating the guidelines
§ In
2002 the quantum of sewage flowing through the feeder streams was 115
mld of which only 20 mld passed through secondary treatment plant
along with 30 mld of untreated effluents joining the lake and the rest
is by passed. No Attemps was make to treat the entire sewage and use
it effectively. It must be done;
§ To
regulate the area around the lake, it is proposed to have a committee
with Concerned Citizens / Environmental groups as government agencies
are unable to take any action against another government agency;
§ There
must be one single nodal agency to regulate the activity in land
around the lake as directed by the Hon’ble High Court with reference
to the PILs of Forum
Special leave petition before Supreme Court:
With the reference
to a Special leave petition (Civil) No. 5595-96 of 2004, the Hon’ble
Supreme Court issued a stay order to stop all construction activities
in and around Hussain Sagar Lake and constituted a three committee
headed by Sri. R. Rajamani, IAS (Retd) to look into all aspects of
Hussain Sagar Lake and submit the report in 6-month period. |
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PROTECTION OF HUSSAIN SAGAR - A
Heritage Site
Date: 14.7.2005
To
The Members of
The Committee Constituted by Supreme Court on
Hussain Sagar Lake
HYDERABAD
Dear Sirs,
Sub: Protection of Husain Sagar, a Heritage site – Regarding.
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We recommend that the Hussainsagar lake be declared as a Heritage
Structure in Category 1, and its surroundings, which will constitute
its precinct, be clearly demarcated and then declared as a Heritage
Precinct under Regulation 13.1 of HUDA Zoning Regulations, 1981. We
have written to The Hyderabad Development Authority and the Heritage
Conservation Committee of the state government in the matter and a
copy of our letter is enclosed.
The Government of India has identified 21 fresh water lakes in the
country for conservation under the National Lake conservation Plan.
In the first phase, work will be done in ten lakes, and Hussainsagar
is included in this first phase.
Definition of Heritage Precinct.
Heritage Buildings( HB) are defined under Regulation 13.1 of HUDA
Zoning Regulations, 1981 as “ Buildings, Artefacts, Structures,
and/or Precincts of Historical and/or Aesthetical and/or
Architectural and/or Cultural value.” Heritage Precinct is an entire
zone, designated as such, which is to be conserved in entirety,
including its surroundings, and not merely the notified heritage
buildings in that zone.
Sub-section 7 of this regulation states that
“buildings included in Heritage Precincts (HPs) shall maintain the
skyline in the precinct [without any high-rise development] as may
be existing in the surrounding area, so as not to diminish or
destroy the value and beauty of the said listed HB/HP. The
development therein shall be in accordance with the guidelines
framed by Vice Chairman (VC), HUDA in consultation with Heritage
Conservation Committee (HCC).” HCC is appointed by the state
government
In its
Notification No 3023/PR/HUDA/2000 dt 30-4-2000, HUDA went on say
that “The notification of HP’s will imply that development
proposals, street furniture, road-widening proposals and outdoor
publicity within the Heritage Precincts shall need to be approved by
the VC HUDA and the HCC before permission is granted by the MCH or
other competent authorities.”
Grading of HBs & HPs HUDA regulation no 13
These are categorized into Grade I, Grade II and
Grade III, depending on importance.
Grade I: No interventions on exterior or interior,
except for conservation, when only absolutely essential, are
permissible.
Grade II (A): Only internal changes and adaptive
re-use, external changes subject to scrutiny, can be permitted.
Grade II (B): In addition to above,
extension/additional buildings in same plot, subject to harmonizing
in terms of height and façade, may be allowed.
Grade III : External and internal changes, adaptive re-use,
extensions, additional buildings in same plot, but harmonizing
especially in height and façade, are permissible. Reconstruction is
allowed when building is structurally weak
Heritage value of Hussain Sagar
Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah founded Hyderabad in 1591 on the banks of
Musi River. The city has a glorious tradition of tanks and lakes.
Hussain sagar links Hyderabad with Secunderabad with a bund, known
as the Tank Bund, which is 2.5 Km long. The bund was built even
before the founding of the city Hyderabad and the Charminar.
The excavation of the lake was carried out in 3 years, 7 months and
19 days from the date of commencement.
Sultan Ibrahim Qutub Shah-II asked his son-in-law Hazarath Hussain
Shah Wali, who was a great Engineer of that time to construct a
Palace, a Mosque, a Garden and a Tank. The people of the city called
this water body Hussain Saab Cheruvu. Subsequently on completion of
the tank, the Sultan named it after his son-in-law Hussain Sagar.
The characteristic features of this bund were its stone masonry
construction, its architectural design and shape ,its butterfly
sluices with provision for automatic outflow of surplus water..
The first source of water supply to Hyderabad is Hussain Sagar Lake.
The Lake was constructed in 1562 AD on the Tributary of Musi. It
covers an area of 8 Square Km. In 1891 a Slow sand filter was setup
in Narayanaguda and the lake was used to provide Drinking Water. The
water of Hussain Sagar Lake was sufficient for the people of
Hyderabad then. The first piped protected water supply to the city
was started from the Lake. The old water pipe lines are still
functional. The water of this lake was used for irrigation as well
as drinking purpose for over 350 years.
The area of this lake in the past was about 1664 hectares. This
area has progressively decreased to 350 to 400 hectares.
It
is a treasure and heritage water body which connects Hyderabad and
Secunderabad cities. That’s why they are called as twin cities. One
cannot think of twin cities without Hussain Sagar Lake.
The lake is an ecological asset to the twin cities as its water
spreads not only caters to the water needs of the twin city people
but also charges ground water in the areas around it.
The water
of this lake served the drinking water needs up to around 1930. The
water was reasonably good up to 1976 with rich aquatic life. Birds
from Europe used to halt in the lake in the winter season during
their migration to the southern region.
Shrinkage and pollution of the lake.
Man-made damages to the lake.
Why the Lake should be brought under the purview of Regulation 13(1)
The quality of Hussain Sagar water has gradually decreased during 20
to 30 years, mainly owing to the continuous ingress of untreated
domestic sewage and industrial effluents.
The Government has continued to fill up the lake areas to convert
them to centers of commercial activities in the name of promoting
Tourism/Ecotourism, and a concrete jungle may come up in and
around the notified areas of Hussain Sagar Lake. The citizens of
twin cities will be denied the opportunity in enjoying the pristine
beauty of this lake. The construction of the Necklace road across
the lake has choked the flow of water to and from the lake and the
surrounding areas. The road has created air and noise pollution and
daily garbage. The construction of the ‘Eating city’ right on the
banks of the lake and touching its waters is indefensible. The
natural rocks in the lake waters where hundreds of migratory birds
from different parts of the country and also from outside the
country congregate, known as the rock island, is being converted to
a park with recreational facilities and eating facilities. Despite
imposition of the High Court’s ban on permanent structures in the
banks of the lake, such structures are being constructed. An Imax
theatre has been constructed despite the opposition of the lovers of
the Forum. Of late, the authorities , with Japanese funds, are
trying to dredge the lake bed but the problem is they have no
proper disposal of the refuge but propose to dump it along the banks
in the name of making a pathway along the lake, thereby further
reducing the size of the lake against the Court’s order.
Previously, the lake abounded in fishes. Today, the water is so
polluted that not a living creature can be found in the lake.
About six authorities are now involved in activities around the
lake, namely, the tourism department, HUDA, the Buddha Purnima
authorities, etc. This is hampering an integrated view.
We
consider, the only way to prevent further shrinking and
deterioration of the lake, and to restore and conserve its
environment, is to bring it under the purview of Regulation
13.1 of HUDA Zoning Regulations,
1981, and declare the
Lake as a Heritage structure in category 1 and its
demarcated surrounding areas as a Precinct. Thereby, an expert body
like the Heritage Conservation Committee appointed by the state
government can look into the heritage aspects and can recommend a
heritage-centred development and tourism. Side by side the
environmental aspects can be taken care of by involving the
pollution control board, which should be an autonomous, statutory
body like the state vigilance commission.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
(VEDAKUMAR.M)
President
Forum For A Better
Hyderabad
Encls: 1. Xerox copy of old photograph of
Hussain Sagar.
2. Xerox copies of 4 old maps of Hussain Sagar.
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Dt:
14.7.2005
To
Sri.Jayesh Ranjan,
IAS.
Vice Chairman,
Hyderabad Urban
Development Authority,
Begumpet
Hyderabad
Dear Sir,
Sub: Request
for notification of the Hussainsagar Lake as a Heritage structure,
category 1, and its surroundings to Demarcated and notified as a
Precinct, under Regulation 13(1) of HUDA Zoning Regulations, 1981.
***
We request you to
declare the Hussainsagar lake as a Heritage Structure in Category 1.
We further request you that its surroundings be demarcated and then
declared as a Heritage Precinct under Regulation 13.1 of HUDA Zoning
Regulations, 1981.
The National Commission
has already identified this lake as one of the vast water body in the
country for conservation under the National Conservation Plan. It was
included in the first phase.
Heritage value of
Hussain Sagar
Mohammad Quli Qutub
Shah founded Hyderabad in 1591 on the banks of Musi River. The city has
a glorious tradition of tanks and lakes. Hussain sagar links Hyderabad
with Secunderabad with a length of the bund area 2.5 Km. which is
extending road in the water body. The long bund was built even before
the founding of the city Hyderabad.
The excavation of the
lake was carried out in 3 years, 7 months and 19 days from the date of
commencement.
Sultan Ibrahim Qutub
Shah-II asked his son-in-law Hazarath Hussain Shah Wali, who was a great
Engineer of their period to construct a Palace, a Mosque, a Garden and a
Tank. The people of the city called this water body as Hussain Saab
Cheruvu. Subsequently on completion of the tank, the Sultan named it
after his son-in-law Hussain Sagar. This bund was comprised of stone
masonry construction and its sluices with the architectural design and
shape and its surplus ware.
The first source of
water supply to Hyderabad is Hussain Sagar Lake. The Lake was
constructed in 1578 AD on the Tributary of Musi. It covers an area of 8
Square Km. In 1891 a Slow sand filter was setup in Narayanaguda and the
lake was used to provide Drinking Water. The water of Hussain Sagar Lake
was sufficient for the people of Hyderabad then. The first piped
protected water supply to the city was started in 1964 A.D. The old
water pipe lines are still functional. The water of this lake was used
for irrigation as well as drinking purpose for over 350 years.
The area of this lake
in the past was about 1664 hectares. This area has progressively
decreased to 350 to 400 hectares.
It is a treasure and
heritage water body which connects Hyderabad and Secunderabad cities.
That’s why they are called as twin cities. One cannot think of twin
cities without Hussain Sagar Lake.
The lake is an
ecological asset to the twin cities as its water spreads not only caters
to the water needs of the twin city people but also charges ground water
in the areas around it.
The water of this lake
served the drinking water needs up to around 1930. The water was
reasonably good up to 1976 with rich aquatic life. Birds from Europe
used to halt in the lake in the winter season during their migration to
the southern region.
Shrinkage and pollution of the lake.
Man-made damages to the lake.
Why the Lake should be brought under the purview of Regulation 13(1)
The quality of Hussain
Sagar water has gradually decreased during 20 to 30 years, mainly owing
to the continuous ingress of untreated domestic sewage and industrial
effluents.
The natural rocks in
the lake waters where wild birds congregate, known as the rock island,
is being converted with commercial activities and this is driving out
the birds from their natural habitat. Despite imposition of the High
Court’s ban on permanent structures in the banks of the lake, such
structures are being constructed.
Previously, the lake
abounded in fishes. Today, the water is so polluted that not a living
creature can be found in the lake.
About six authorities
are now involved in activities around the lake, namely, the tourism
department, HUDA, the Buddha Purnima authorities, Irrigation Department,
MCH etc. This is hampering an integrated view.
We consider, the only
way to prevent further shrinking and deterioration of the lake, and to
restore and conserve its environment, is to bring it under the purview
of Regulation 13.1 of HUDA Zoning Regulations, 1981, and declare the
Lake as a Heritage structure in category 1 and its demarcated surrounding
areas as a Precinct. Thereby, an expert body like the Heritage
Conservation Committee appointed by the state government can look into
the heritage aspects and can recommend a heritage-centred development.
Side by side the environmental aspects can be taken care of by involving
the pollution control board, which should be an autonomous, statutory
body like the state vigilance commission.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
(VEDAKUMAR.M)
Convenor, Heritage Cell
Forum For A Better
Hyderabad
Copy to:
1.
Sri.Shravan Kumar, IAS
(Retd.,) Chairman, Heritage Conservation Committee, HUDA,
Begumpet, Hyd.
2. Sri.Shravan
Kumar, IAS
(Retd.,) Convenor, INTACH Hyderabad Chapter, Hyd.,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FORUM/2005
09th July 2005
To: Sri. R. Rajamani, I.A.S. (Retd)
Convener
Supreme Court Committee on Hussain Sagar Lake
Hyderabad
Sub:
Memorandum on
“DISTRUCTION
OF HUSSAIN SAGAR LAKE”
Ref:
Appointment given by the committee [9th July 2005, 10.00 am at
IEI/Khairatabad]
Dear Sir,
Hussain Sagar Lake built in 1562 A.D. with a magnificient stetch of 20.7
sq. km. is a treasure and heritage water body of Hyderabad and it falls
within the limits of Hyderabad Urban Development Authority [HUDA]. It has
been an ecological asset of the twin cities, as its water spread has not
only kept the climate of the city in equilibrium but also helped ground
water recharge in the areas around it. The first source of water supply to
Hyderabad was from Hussain Sagar Lake. The water of Hussain Sagar was
sufficient for the people of Hyderabad around 1891. The water of the lake
served the drinking water needs up to around 1930. This also protected
the citizens living in low-lying areas around the lake from imminent
threat from floods.
Various encroachments have been taking place in and around the lake over
the past 30 years or so, like encroachments by slum dwellers, rich real
estate groups and the government agencies have reduced the lake area by
around 60%. It was further reduced by way of roads, artificial amusement
parks, sewage treatment plant, residential buildings, etc. The catchment
area has been neglected and effluents of different types polluted the
inflows into the lake -- domestic sewage and industrial effluents. The
industrial pollution found its way into the lake since 1964. The
immersion of Ganesh idols’ that were made of toxic paints and
non-biodegradable materials have further added to the pollution of the
lake. In the past several years Forum along with several concerned
citizens and environmental groups are fighting against this menace.
Around 115 mld of sewage is reaching Hussain Sagar Lake and of which only
about 20 mld is treated to date (?) and released in to the lake along with
around 30 mld untreated effluents (?) and the rest is bypassed. By
treating the majority of the effluents, will serve the needs of gardening
of surrounding areas/gardens/parks as well increase the ground water
recharge capacity of the lake at the same time improve the aesthetic
picture around the lake. Unfortunately this was not undertaken but on the
contrary the water is let out from the lake and then encroached the lake
by filling the lakebed with the soil with tacit support from government
agencies! And now the government agencies are contemplating to dredge the
lakebed and put it along the bund for the development of walkway – beach
from Sanjeevaiah Park to Nest Hotel. Even assuming adequate precautions
will be taken to prevent the erosion of dredged material of the proposed
walkway -- beach into the lake, the toxic substances contained in the
dredged lake bottom sediments are likely to leach back into the lake with
the rains. Moreover the development of walkway -- beach is bound to
reduce the original water spread area of the lake, as experienced by
Necklace Road, going against the directive of Hon’ble A.P. High Court in
W.P. No. 13656 of 2003 for protection of water spread area of Hussain
Sagar Lake. The whole exercise appears to be to hand over the area under
some pretext or the other to private investors for commercial activities.
To protect the lake from encroachments and filling the lake with debris
with the tacit support of government agencies, construction of a wall in
this zone is essential as commercial and residential buildings surround
this area. By increasing the sluice gates heights the water level in the
lake can be increased substantially, more than that is achieved through
dredging operation.
HUDA has issued a “landmark” notification on 4th May 2000 –
now the concerned agencies say that it has no legal standing, then why
issue such notification after spending public money -- in relation to 169
lakes/tanks with more than 10 ha area that includes Hussain Sagar Lake.
Clause 3 of this notification states that “the entire areas falling within
the Full Tank Lave [FTL] of the lakes as per the Survey of India Maps,
must be kept free from any type of constructions irrespective of ownership
or any land use or Master/Zonal Development Plan that may have been
previously notified. In addition, a buffer belt of 30 meters within on
all sides of each lake must be kept free from any type of construction in
the interest of prevention of pollution to the lake waters and to allow
free flow of water to the lakes”.
In the case of Hussain Sagar Lake the government built the Necklace road
in 1996 to indicate this boundary of the lake – supposed to be developed
green belt between the lake and Necklace road. Yet has continued to fill
up the lake areas and to convert the reclaimed areas into centers of
commercial activities and a concrete Jungle, violating the rules and
regulations in the name of tourism/eco-tourism in and around notified
areas of Hussain Sagar Lake. According to the 4th May 2000
notification of HUDA the Hussain Sagar Lake area is shown as 549.23 ha
equivalent to 1356 acres but HUDA presented on 11th November
2003 at a public consultation workshop on “Restoration and management of
Hussain Sagar waters” as 1066 acres – reduced by 290 acres. Through the
illegal actions of HUDA, the lake area has been continuously reduced and
thus the present area may be far lower than 1066 acres – though through
the G.O. Ms. No. 575 MA dated 12.12.2000 [after the HUDA notification of
4-5-2000] the government has established Buddha Purnima Project
Authority. Yet, unfortunately, to make it easy to violate rules and
regulations, Hussain Sagar Lake is put under the control of several
government organs, such as HUDA, Buddha Purnima Project Authority, MCH,
Tourism Department, Irrigation Department, etc. This made easy to
manipulate and served the vested interests close to the seat of power.
This way they even flouted the court directives and as well Andhra Pradesh
Pollution Control Board directives. The influential persons got prime
tank land at throw way terms and they are building empires at the cost of
state.
Forum For A Better Hyderabad fought tooth and nail the illegal
encroachments through PILs in Andhra Pradesh High Court. Through false
affidavits, the government agencies are misleading the court. Yet the
private developers as well government departments started constructing
permanent structure with no body taking any action against them. With all
these, HUDA is looking for a soft loan of Rs. 250 crore from Japan under
the disguise of beautification of the lake, to develop more commercial
activities in and around the lake. Now the Necklace Road surroundings
have become a hot bed for anti-social activities like prostitution and
drugs.
Though the Hon’ble High Court has given certain directions, with reference
to Forum For A Better Hyderabad PILs to the concerned government
agencies/organizations, things are moving as usual around Hussain Sagar
Lake. In view of these happenings, Forum For A Better Hyderabad brought
to the notice, orally and in writing, of concerned authorities against the
violations and non-implementation of court’s directives.
To protect the Hussain Sagar Lake Forum For A Better Hyderabad filed
several PILs in the Hon’ble High Court of Andhra Pradesh. The outcome of
these is as follows:
·
W. P.
No. 23768 of 2000, judgment delivered on 15.6.2001:
the operative part of the judgment is – (a) No further permanent
structures including those involving commercial activities may be allowed
to be raised on or near the water spread or catchment area; and (b) it
also directed that the construction of an amusement park etc. may be
allowed subject to examination and certification by AP Pollution Control
Board that creation of such entertainment parks etc would result only in
sustainable development and
would
not create any ecological imbalance.
Buddha Poornima Project-developments the Hussain Sagar lake-
certification of the AP Pollution Control Board for Tourism projects: The
APPCB has examined the 21 projects around the lake within the frame of the
Hon’ble High Court’s orders in this regard. The spirit of the order is
clear. Without commenting on the ‘sustainability’ and ecological probity
of existing developments in and around Hussain Sagar Lake, the order
directs the Board to certify the same for the future developments
planned. In other words, there can be no ecologically harmful change
introduced, over and above the present status. In tune with the opinion
of the Advocate General on the issue, we note that the catchment and the
water-spread areas of the lake have been intercepted over the years. The
lake’s hydrology and ecology have been already affected by the necklace
road and earlier reclamations and today, the reduced
water-spread of 4.3 sq.km requires protection. Accordingly, in
addition to the specific directions of the Hon’ble Court, the Technical
Committee of the Board reviewed the projects with the following
conditions:
1.
There can be no net addition of small vehicular traffic
attributable to the developments proposed, on all roads surrounding the
lake.
2. There can be no net addition in NOx, PAH and CO air
pollutants in monitoring stations around the lake periphery that can be
attributable to the developments proposed.
3. There can be no discharge of trade effluents or sewage from
the new projects into the lake directly.
4.
There can be no littering or solid waste disposal in and
around the lake.
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