Builders are required to remove construction waste from sites after demolition by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), commissioner AV Ranganath said on Saturday. Notices have been issued to several builders, but not all have removed the waste collected near the water bodies, the official added.

This comes at a time when HYDRAA, after removing encroachments from Hyderabad lakes, has focused on rejuvenation of these water bodies. With an aim to revitalize ponds and lakes, HYDRAA has launched an initiative to eliminate construction waste from the sites, the cost of which will be borne by the builders, the official informed. The agency also invited tenders for the construction waste disposal process.

“It was noticed that some individuals were picking up iron bars and leaving the rest of the debris behind. It is the responsibility of the builders to return the land to its previous condition. We took the initiative to revitalize the ponds by removing construction waste; the charges incurred will be collected from the builder,” the official said.

The process started with Errakunta Lake in Nizampet Municipality, where HYDRAA demolished three five-story buildings according to survey number 49 on August 14. Following this, a case was filed by the Bachupally police against the builder Sudhakar Reddy following a complaint from the irrigation department officials. HYDRAA has also issued notices to Sudhakar Reddy to remove waste from buildings. However, it only collected materials of a certain value and left construction waste behind, the official pointed out, adding that a clean-up campaign was launched by HYDRAA last week.

Meanwhile, HYDRAA is set to launch actions to resolve traffic problems and flood water problems in the city. According to the commissioner, flood-prone areas are being examined on the ground and appropriate measures will be taken.