The government on Wednesday issued GO 69, repealing GO 111, which is being implemented to protect the historic twin reservoirs from contamination. The rule that no structures or industries should be shown on the radius continues. But pressure was mounting on the government from the surrounding villages and some bigwigs to lift the organism. There is also the argument that the implementation of GO 111 is stunting large-scale development. The drinking water needs of the twin cities have been greatly reduced from these reservoirs. Drinking water is being supplied to Hyderabad city from Krishna Project and Godavari projects.
But the government says demand from Himayat Sagar and Usman Sagar has declined. However, the government has set up a committee headed by the chief secretary to look into the removal of GO 111. The members of this committee are the Special Chief Secretary, Municipal Department, Special Chief Secretary, Finance Department, I & CAD Special Chief Secretary, HMW SB Managing Director, TS PCB Member Secretary, HMDA Director Planning and others. After a lengthy discussion on the bio-lifting, the committee finally sent proposals for the lift. GO has suggested some guidelines to take appropriate measures for the conservation of these two reservoirs even if lifted.
This includes setting up of sewerage treatment plants in the vicinity of the reservoirs. Purified water should be discharged into reservoirs. Build diversion channels. Groundwater quality should be maintained. The committee suggested that agriculture in the vicinity of the reservoirs should improve the chances of pollution reduction. The committee suggested that green zones should be given high priority while setting up zones. Indicates the duty policies required for trunk infrastructure development in the vicinity of the reservoirs. The committee also suggested that strict measures be taken to ensure that the conservation of the two reservoirs is not disrupted.