“Water finds its own level… only God knows the truth,” say the elders. When continuous rains lash the land, floodwaters naturally flow into nearby lakes, ponds, and other water bodies. These serve to meet the drinking and irrigation needs of local communities. They also play a crucial role in replenishing groundwater, reducing heat, and preserving biodiversity. But what happens when these lifelines of nature fall prey to land grabbers? If they disappear, won’t human life be thrown into chaos? Unfortunately, that is exactly what’s happening today in many of our so-called “concrete jungles.”
With rising temperatures and climate change, torrential downpours have become more frequent in recent years. As a result, densely populated Indian cities are finding themselves caught in the grip of floods. Roads overflow with rainwater, traffic comes to a standstill for kilometers, and residents are forced to suffer miserably. What can be done to prevent this? There must be proper drainage for rainwater, and above all, local water bodies must be protected like the apple of one’s eye. But who is really paying attention to that?
In recent years, the real estate sector has taken off dramatically. With urban migration increasing, every inch of land within city limits has turned into a golden asset. Consequently, the eyes of land sharks have fallen on lakes and ponds. Politicians — more interested in profit than in public welfare — are backing these encroachments, while corrupt officials, ever hungry for bribes, look the other way.
As a result, in places like Puppalaguda, Miyapur, and Moosapet in Hyderabad, massive buildings worth hundreds of crores have been built right on top of lakebeds. With the support of politicians and officials, illegal builders continue their activities without fear. The innocent buyers who purchase these houses later find their neighborhoods submerged during heavy rains.
According to the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, as many as 38,000 water bodies across the country have been encroached upon — most of them in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. The destruction of these lakes and ponds has not only damaged the local water systems but also wasted crores of rupees spent on infrastructure and worsened the urban environment, pushing cities further into a dark future.
Even middle-class and affluent residential areas — colonies and gated communities — are now facing flooding problems. The lack of proper drainage routes for rainwater is the main cause. Traditional flood channels and lake outlets that existed for hundreds of years have been encroached upon or filled in, leading to recurring floods.
Encroachments on water bodies and the rise of illegal constructions around them are the root causes of floods and waterlogging. Recognizing this, the Supreme Court and various High Courts have issued several judgments against such encroachments. Governments too have vowed to act strictly in this regard.
However, despite strong laws, implementation remains weak. The encroachments of lakes, ponds, and rivers are severely affecting the environment. Governments must enforce existing laws effectively and take stringent measures to eliminate illegal constructions and land grabs to protect the nation’s vital water resources.