Protect twin reservoirs, the scientists’ way

The then government issued GO 111 in order to protect the twin reservoirs, Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar, which quench the thirst of the twin cities. A catchment buffer area of 10 km from these reservoirs not only prohibits polluting industries and other constructions but also allows agriculture, horticulture, and floriculture. On the contrary, the Telangana state government, which was supposed to promote chemical-free agriculture and strengthen cultivation, has allowed all activities that were previously banned in those areas. GO 69, which was brought by the government while lifting GEO 111, has become a death knell for the twin reservoirs. This allows all prohibited activities, like the entry of industries, buildings, hotels, malls, etc., in a buffer zone of 10 km across the 1,32,000 acres in 84 villages.

Everyone knows about the situation in Hyderabad when it rains. But the government always remained mum on the issue. Due to arbitrary encroachments, the rainwater is not allowed to flow in the right direction, and the city is getting flooded everywhere. However, the lifting of GO 111 not only submerges these areas but also opens the floodgates to the risk of contamination of the twin reservoirs.

In this context, environmentalists Dr. K. Babu Rao, Sagar Dhara, and Dr. B. Ramalingeswara Rao, under the guidance of prominent environmentalist Lubna Sarwat, have released a 129-page scientific report that enlightens about the consequences of the cancellation of GO 111, the disruption it can cause to the environment, the condition of farmers, and the changes in the environment. Here are some important points to be taken into consideration from the report released by the committee:

•  Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar reservoirs should be recognised as living things with rights and responsibilities. This can be done through legislation or a government resolution. The rights and responsibilities of reservoirs and catchment areas should be defined by law. A mechanism should be established to implement them.
•  The government can establish a carbon sequestration compensation programme for farmers and agricultural labourers in the GO 111 area. Under this programme, farmers and farm workers are paid a per-acre fee to sequester CO2 in their soil. The government can provide financial assistance to farmers and agricultural workers who are suffering crop yield losses due to city pollution.
• The Telangana government should allocate a specific budget for social services in the area. A committee should be set up to monitor the distribution of these funds and ensure that social services are provided equally to all residents of the area.
• The Telangana state government should take steps to ensure that all existing and future activities in the GO 111 area comply with Supreme Court orders. In cases of violation of the orders of the Supreme Court, a committee should be formed to take appropriate action against them.
• The government should issue a GO freezing current land use in the GO 111 area. By doing this, it is possible to prevent activities that harm the Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar reservoirs and their catchment areas. Steps should be taken to prevent sewage and solid waste from entering the reservoirs. The government should take appropriate measures to identify and eliminate habitats and wastes that do not fall under GO 111.
• Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar reservoirs should be inspected, and appropriate steps should be taken to strengthen the dam as per the norms where there are conditions of bursting of the dam.
• The silt in the twin reservoirs should be removed. Any encroachment inside the reservoirs should be removed. Structures that do not comply with GO 111 should be removed. Doing this will not only increase the storage capacity of the reservoirs but also help reduce the risk of flooding.
• Chemical-free agriculture should be promoted in the area. Farmers who practice chemical-free farming should be given subsidies and suitable incentives. Also, it must help to market their products.
• Special survey numbers should be established to give special identification to ponds and reservoirs. Twin reservoirs should be given special recognition by law.
• If the city of Hyderabad develops further, the quality of life will deteriorate environmentally, economically, and socially. If you change from big to beautiful, many problems will be solved.
• Watershed management, land shaping, prevention of air pollution, and setting up of solar parks should be done in the area. The Telangana government should consider this report and take appropriate action.