Hyderabad: BRS leader and former minister T Harish Rao on Thursday alleged that unauthorised blasting activities were being carried out close to Mallanna Sagar reservoir bund, posing a threat to the structure and causing damage to nearby villages.
Harish Rao visited Thipparam village in Siddipet district following complaints from local residents that heavy blasting was being undertaken near the reservoir by Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) as part of works related to drawing water for the Musi rejuvenation project.
Addressing the media at the site, Harish Rao claimed that blasting was taking place at night within 100 to 200 metres of the Mallanna Sagar bund. He demanded uniform compensation for both patta and assigned landholders in accordance with the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and sought a minimum compensation of ₹20 lakh per acre. The BRS leader said villagers reported that repeated blasts had led to cracks in houses located nearly a kilometre away from the reservoir. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Hyderabad | Silver Rate in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad | Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Petrol Price in Hyderabad | Diesel Price in Hyderabad | CNG Price in Hyderabad | LPG Price in Hyderabad Stay updated with the latest Hyderabad news.
Harish Rao said that the Congress govt was acting against the interests of the Kaleshwaram project and demanded an immediate review of the ongoing works near the reservoir. He said residents had complained of strong vibrations, falling debris and damage to household property. He alleged that the activity was being carried out without permission from the irrigation department, police, revenue authorities or the gram panchayat. He called for an expert technical assessment of the bund’s safety and urged govt to halt blasting operations until all concerns were addressed. Mallanna Sagar is a key component of the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project and provides irrigation and drinking water benefits to several districts, including Hyderabad. Villagers also alleged that seepage along parts of the bund had increased since the blasting began. Harish Rao stated that irrigation officials had reportedly objected to the works and instructed the executing agency to stop blasting without obtaining necessary clearances. He questioned how such activities were continuing despite the absence of approvals. Harish Rao also accused district authorities of unfairly compensating farmers whose land parcels were acquired for the project-related works. The BRS leader urged police to register a case based on complaints submitted by villagers and sought action against those responsible for conducting unauthorised blasting. He also demanded compensation and rehabilitation assistance for families whose houses were damaged. Download the TOI App.