HYDRA, TGPCB join hands to restore water bodies

A coordination meeting to protect lakes and rejuvenate water bodies was held jointly by Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) and HYDRA at the TGPCB head office on Monday. The meeting was jointly chaired by AV Ranganath, Commissioner, HYDRA, and G Ravi, Member Secretary, TGPCB.

Speaking on the occasion, Ravi stressed the need to regulate the inflows of industrial effluents and sewage into lakes by ensuring effective treatment before any discharge anywhere. “Restoration of lakes and water bodies is possible only with stopping of dumping of construction and demolition wastes in the lake banks and lake beds. Both HYDRA and TGPCB will collaborate in protection of water quality in lakes,” he said.

Enhancing water quality using real-time continuous water quality monitoring,



stopping illegal dumping by levying fines and seizing the vehicles used for illegal dumping will be taken up jointly by the teams consisting of HYDRA and TGPCB officials.

“Collaborating with educational institutions, research institutes, environmental NGOs and encouraging local communities to join this effort to come on common platform would be taken up on a large-scale for all identified lakes and water bodies. Increased inspections and penalties for non-compliance with environmental standards is the need of the hour,” Ranganath said.

The officials warned that serious action will be taken against the violators of pollution control norms and environmental laws, with a special focus on big realtors. A special drive will also be launched on the violating gated communities and industries.