SANGAREDDY: The district administration has initiated efforts to conserve lakes within the HMDA (Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority) limits in Sangareddy. Acting on instructions from District Collector Valluru Kranthi, the Municipal and Irrigation departments have identified 16 lakes for fencing to protect them from encroachment.  
Tenders for the fencing work, estimated to cost ₹35 lakh, have been finalized. The Irrigation Department identified lakes across Patancheru, Hathnoora, and Sangareddy mandals, with fencing to be implemented along their buffer zones.  
Irrigation official Jaibheem explained that boundary stones would mark the lake areas, followed by fencing within the buffer zones. With contractors already assigned, the work is set to begin soon.  
- Bobbili Kunta Lake in Sangareddy headquarters is being fenced at a cost of ₹1.63 lakh.  
- Doodibavi and Errakunta in Sangareddy town will be fenced at an expense of ₹7 lakh.  
- Conservation measures are also underway for Jalu Kunta, Turkoni Kunta, Nageti Kunta, Bhimuni Cheravu, and Patha Cheruvu in Hathnoora mandal.  
- Mella Cheruvu in Tellapur (Ramachandrapuram mandal) near Hyderabad will be fenced for ₹1.02 lakh, along with Vanam Cheruvu and Nagulakunta in Eedula Nagulapalli village.  
However, officials encountered resistance from locals during a survey in Nagulapalli village, where residents claimed ownership (pattas) of the land within the buffer zone. Despite informing them that no construction is permitted in buffer zones, the officials temporarily withdrew to prevent escalation.  
In Sangareddy, the responsibility for lake conservation is divided between municipal authorities and the Irrigation Department. While the Irrigation Department focuses on 16 identified lakes, municipalities will manage lakes within their jurisdictions.  
Officials aim to complete the fencing process within the next 7–10 days but are concerned about potential opposition from locals when working within buffer zones.