Hyderabad: Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) Commissioner AV Ranganath and other officials visited a few lakes after receiving complaints from local people about encroachments and pollution.

The places they visited include Nizam Talab Lake (Nizampet), Eedula Kunta (Khanamet), Medikunta (Madhapur), Neknampur Cheruvu and three other lakes such as Tellapur-Mella Cheruvu, Vanam Cheruvu and Chelli Kunta.

During their visit, residents submitted petitions to the HYDRAA commissioner seeking protection of the lake and restoration to restore the ponds. Ranganath assured residents that he would ensure that water bodies were not encroached upon.

Residents also complain about pollution of lakes due to sewage from gated communities.

Officials have been directed to collect complete information about the lakes and stop further encroachment. “A comprehensive review will be carried out and we will ensure that the lakes are not encroached upon,” a HYDRAA official said.