Durgam Cheruvu Illegal Construction: In a significant move to address illegal encroachments around Durgam Cheruvu Lake in Rangareddy district, the Telangana government has issued demolition notices to several prominent properties. This includes the residence and office of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s brother, A Tirupathi Reddy, along with numerous other high-profile properties located within the Madhapur Amar Cooperative Society.
The notices specify that the affected buildings are situated within the Non-Development Zone (NDZ) of Durgam Cheruvu Lake and must be demolished within 30 days. The action is part of the government’s ongoing demolition drive aimed at clearing encroachments that threaten the lake’s preservation.
Additionally, notices under the Telangana Water, Land, and Trees (WALTA) Act have been issued to residents in Nectars Colony, Doctors Colony, Kavuri Hills, and Amar Society, all situated near the lake. Officials, led by the Rangareddy District Collector and Serilingampally Deputy Collector, have warned that non-compliance will lead to government-led demolitions.
Durgam Cheruvu, known as the ‘Secret Lake,’ is a crucial landmark in Hyderabad’s western zone. However, its size has significantly reduced due to ongoing encroachments. Initially spanning around 100 acres, recent surveys reveal the lake’s area has shrunk to 84 acres.
A preliminary notification a decade ago designated the area surrounding the lake as a Non-Development Zone (NDZ), but the absence of a final notification has led to rampant illegal construction. Over the years, encroachments have resulted in the establishment of residences belonging to influential figures, including judges, political leaders, engineers, and retired officials.