Encroachment of Water Bodies in Hyderabad

Extent of encroachment
As of 2023, 396 out of 920 water bodies in Hyderabad have been encroached upon.
This includes 225 water bodies that were encroached upon before 2014 and 171 that
were encroached upon between 2014 and 2023.

Causes of encroachment
Encroachment of water bodies in Hyderabad is a significant environmental issue
Some say that the government’s focus on building dams and canals, the shift of water
management from community to government, and the lack of sewage systems have
contributed to the degradation of water bodies. Rapid population growth and urban
development have led to increased demand for land, often at the expense of water
bodies.. Weak enforcement of land use regulations and zoning laws allows illegal
encroachments to occur.Construction of residential and commercial buildings
frequently encroaches upon lakes, rivers, and other water bodiesRoads, bridges, and
other infrastructure developments sometimes infringe on water bodies, further reducing
their area.Conversion of land for agriculture can lead to the filling in of smaller water
bodies.Limited public understanding of the ecological importance of water bodies
contributes to their neglect and encroachment.Pollution and Climate Change: Pollution
can degrade water quality, leading to reduced water levels, which may encourage
encroachment.The loss of water bodies can lead to a decreased resilience against
climate change, which can disturb the ecological system and cycle. This can ultimately
result in hazardous climatic conditions globally.

Effect of EncroachmentSeveral areas in Hyderabad have been significantly affected by the encroachment of
water bodies, leading to issues such as urban flooding, water pollution, and
environmental degradation. Some of the most impacted areas :

Hussain Sagar Lake Area
The iconic Hussain Sagar Lake, situated between Hyderabad and
Secunderabad, has seen extensive encroachment along its banks. Illegal
settlements, commercial structures, and the dumping of sewage and industrial
waste have severely polluted the lake. Once a major tourist attraction, its size
has shrunk, and it is now plagued by poor water quality and algal blooms.
This has reduced the lake’s water-holding capacity, contributing to local flooding
during heavy rains. It has also diminished its recreational and aesthetic value.
Musi River Basin
The Musi River, flowing through the heart of Hyderabad, has been heavily
encroached upon over the years. Informal settlements, garbage dumping, and the
blocking of natural drainage systems have severely affected the river’s ecosystem.
Additionally, industrial waste and untreated sewage have polluted its waters.
Encroachments have reduced the river’s capacity to channel rainwater, making the
surrounding areas more prone to flooding, especially during the monsoon. The river’s
pollution has also created health hazards for communities living along its banks.
Lakes in Serilingampally (Kondapur and Gachibowli )
Rapid urbanization in IT hubs like Gachibowli and Kondapur has led to encroachments
on several lakes, including the Nallagandla Lake, Durgam Cheruvu, and Chinna
Cheruvu. Many of these lakes have been filled for real estate development, reducing
their size and degrading their natural ecosystems. The shrinking of these lakes has
worsened waterlogging and flooding during rains, as their capacity to absorb excess
water has been compromised. The loss of green and water spaces has also impacted
the local microclimate, contributing to the heat island effect.
Kapra Lake (Kapra Area)
Encroachments around Kapra Lake in the northeastern part of the city have led
to a reduction in its size and water retention ability. Illegal constructions and
dumping of waste have also polluted the lake. Local residents face frequent
flooding, especially during heavy rainfall, as the lake’s drainage channels are
blocked. The loss of the lake’s ecosystem has also affected biodiversity in the
area.
Shamirpet Lake (Shamirpet Area)
Shamirpet Lake, located on the outskirts of Hyderabad, is another waterbody
affected by encroachment. Farmland and commercial developments have
reduced the area around the lake, affecting its capacity to store water and
support local wildlife.
The encroachments have led to seasonal flooding in nearby areas and a decline
in water availability for local agriculture. Additionally, pollution has impacted the
lake’s once-thriving ecosystem.
Bandlaguda and Rajendranagar Areas
In the southern parts of Hyderabad, the Bandlaguda and Rajendranagar regions
have experienced encroachment on smaller lakes and ponds. Rapid construction
and urban sprawl in these areas have led to the disappearance of several small
water bodies. These regions are increasingly prone to waterlogging and flooding
during heavy rainfall, as natural drainage systems and water-absorbing bodies
have been destroyed.
Kukatpally (Bachupally, Pragathi Nagar Areas)
The Kukatpally area, which includes Bachupally and Pragathi Nagar, has seen
extensive encroachment of local lakes and waterbodies. The Kukatpally Nala, a
key stormwater drain, has been blocked in various sections due to encroachment and
waste dumping. Flooding in this region has become more frequent, particularly during
the monsoon season. In 2020, parts of Kukatpally were severely flooded, partially due
to the encroachments around its water bodies.
Madhapur and Hitech City
The rapid urban development in Madhapur and the surrounding Hitech City area
has led to the encroachment of lakes such as Durgam Cheruvu. Illegal
settlements and commercial establishments have been built along the lake’s
edges. Encroachments in this area have exacerbated flooding during heavy
rains, as the water bodies no longer function as natural reservoirs. The lakes
have also become polluted, affecting their aesthetic and environmental value.
Meerpet and LB Nagar
In the southeastern areas of Hyderabad, including Meerpet and LB Nagar,
encroachments on local lakes and water channels have worsened drainage
problems. Several smaller water bodies have been filled in for construction
purposes. These areas are prone to frequent flooding, especially during the
monsoon season, as there are no natural water bodies to absorb the excess
water. Additionally, the lack of green spaces and water bodies has degraded the
local environment.

Government response
The Telangana government has pledged to eliminate encroachments on water bodies
in and around Hyderabad. The government has also issued guidelines for the
protection of lakes and other water bodies.

Conclusion
These areas in Hyderabad, among others, are facing serious environmental and
infrastructural challenges due to waterbody encroachment. The loss of lakes, ponds,
and drainage systems has significantly increased the risk of flooding, reduced water
availability, and degraded ecosystems, making sustainable urban planning and
restoration efforts critical for the city’s future.