Activists have alleged that the Banjara Lake in Hyderabad continues to be dumped with debris despite an assurance from authorities of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC).

In a press release, activists attached photos which they say, were taken on February 17, which show that debris has been piled up till an adjoining wall. 

"We need to start the dredging of all the illegal land fill in the Banjara Lake immediately," the activists stated.

Last year, activists claimed that the lake was dumped with debris and mud through the night of December 25.

Activists stated that when they questioned this move, they were told that this was part of the state's plan to develop a walking track around the lake.

They also stated that around Rs 95 lakh had been sanctioned under this plan, for a 'beautification' and 'development' program which would include 'civil' works, a 'walking track', 'lighting' and 'plantation work'.

According to the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), the 80-year old lake receives about 1.5 MLD sewage discharged by three upstream colonies namely Udainagar, Gowrishankar and Ambedkar Colony. Sewage from Hanuman Temple and wastewater from washing activities upstream also enters the lake.

The lake, which is situated near the Taj Banjara hotel, is reported to be among one of the most endangered lakes to the expanding commercialisation of the locality.

The lake had even come under the scanner of the authorities during the recent anti-encroachment drive in the city.

Members of Save Our Urban Lakes (SOUL) have taken up the issue and have also approached Superintending Engineer, GHMC Sekhar Reddy on the issue.