`441-cr facelift on cards for 44 lakes

The state government has decided to face lift as many as 44 lakes in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation limits at the cost of `441 crore. Besides this, the government is also planning to face another 38 lakes with in Outer Ring Road villages. Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority would develop 38 lakes. This was announced by Municipal Administration and Urban Development minister K Taraka Rama during the launch of the lakes development programme at Neknampur here on Friday.

The Minister said `441 crore was allocated for beautification and development of several lakes and water bodies across the State. Of these, 40 lakes were shortlisted in GHMC and HMDA limits, he said.

The Minister formally launched the lakes development programme at Neknampur here on Friday. The Government has allocated `21.26 crore for beautification and development of Neknampur lake.

Rao also appealed to the local residents to actively participate in lake protection, maintenance and other works. GHMC Additional Commissioner Bharthi Hollikeri has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Lakes and Beautification project.

In addition to the Rs.441 crore for lakes development, `100 crore was sanctioned for development of Gandipet as well. HMDA has been entrusted with the job of developing Gandipet as a tourist spot, he said.

Emphasising on treatment of sewage, the Minister said every day 1150 MLD sewage is generated in the city. Of this, 670 MLD is being treated and efforts are being made to set up more Sewerage Treatment Plants before releasing the same into water bodies, he said.

The Minister directed the GHMC Commissioner B. Janardhan Reddy to ensure that apartments with more than 100 flats should set up STPs in the ventures. The STP cost should be borne by the builders, the Minister said.