Save Mustafabad’s water body

Dear Akhileshji, I am a journalist from your state. My ancestral home happens to be in Mustafabad, 2 kms from Unchahar Railway station in Rae Bareli district.

After recent visits to my village I have been horrified to find the ‘talaab’ or lake in Mustafabad being sold, plot by plot. In a deep collusion between lower revenue staff, gram panchayat and police, a centuries old lake is being filled, dried and sold.

This is the picture in lake after lake across the state. We shall all feel the pinch in the scorching heat of summer when districts will be groaning under drought.

Recently, I brought this to the attention of your spokesman, Gaurav Bhatia. He swiftly drew the attention of the district administration. Officials turned up at the lake, a notice board was planted forbidding people from encroaching and building on the lake. For a few days the lake was even filled with water. After all, there is a Supreme Court order forbidding encroachment on water bodies. But no sooner had the officials left than construction on the lake began at break neck speed. Sir, the following steps have to be taken on an urgent basis: All construction must stop. Those who have built should be asked to show documents establishing ownership. FIRs should be filed. Corrupt officials should be suspended. The state fisheries department should be encouraged to take an interest.

An example should be made of the Mustafabad/ Unchahar lake. Otherwise the state will pay a heavy price in the drought years.