Tuesday saw the commencement of the "Lakes Development Plan" by Minister for Municipal Administration & Urban Development K.T. Rama Rao, through which the government hopes to transfer control of the city lakes to builders and real estate developers for their renovation and beauty. 

After introducing the initiative at Khajaguda Lake on Tuesday, the Minister presented copies of the Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) inked with the real estate businesses to corporate representatives. 

Mr. Rama Rao remarked during his speech that the development of walking trails, landscaping, open gyms, seating areas, restrooms, lighting for evening walkers, play areas for kids, gazebos, amphitheatres, and other amenities will beautify the lakes' peripheries. 

He denied claims that builders receive lakes as gifts and stressed that their duty is limited to development and aesthetics. One can file grievances with either GHMC Commissioner D.S. Lokesh Kumar or Special Chief Secretary of MA&UD Arvind Kumar. 

He urged the 185 lakes inside the borders of the GHMC to be adopted by real estate developers.