Road over Yellama Cheruvu angers locals

HYDERABAD: A road, which is being laid over the Yellama Cheruvu in Kukatpally, has angered locals, who say this is against the High Court order regarding the lake.
“A road is being laid on the full tank level (FTL) of the Yellama Cheruvu. This is being done at the behest of corporator Venkatesh Goud,” said Balaswamy Gurram, convenor, Save Our Urban Lakes (SOUL).Gurram said that a 2011 High Court order was being violated. The order states that no part of the tank be filled either by private individuals or by any agreement of the government.
Krishna Rao, a local, said, “The encroachment has meant frequent flooding for residents nearby.”
Corporator Venkatesh Goud said that the work was not new. “The villagers nearby complained that they were not being able to travel across it. For their convenience, an earthmover was used to clear the muck.”
Gurram, refuted claims and said, “There have been several attempts to lay this road before. There are vested interests who are involved behind this. They will reap the commercial benefit of a road coming up in the area.”