Hussainsagar presents a mesmerizing site with fountains sprinkling jets of water around the solitary statue. However, motorists and those who prefer the scenic Tank Bund road for a jog have a different tale to tell. The water falling on unsuspecting motorists and passers-by has been the cause for complain since the installation of the fountains in September 2011. A recent meeting between officials of Buddha Purnima Project Authority and AP Tourism Department will likely shift the fountains away from the shore, acting on the complaints received.
Of the seven high-jet aeration fountains installed, four are on the Tank Bund side and three face the NTR Marg, installed at a distance of 110 metres from the shore. The fountains facing Tank Bund road have already been stopped and officials add that plans are afoot to move them further into the lake. “There are plans to change the orientation of the floating aeration fountains considering public protest,” said an official in the engineering section. “The tourism department cannot allow shifting of these fountains further away from the shore as it will pose a threat to water transport and will also impact the annual monsoon regatta competitions,” he further added.
These fountains were installed for purification of the water in the lake at a cost of over Rs 1 crore. These jets use advanced light weight aeration technology meant to improve the dissolved oxygen levels for sustenance of flora and fauna in the lake and were imported from Florida. “The water shoots up to a height of 20 metres in the air and falls back into the lake absorbing oxygen. It is a way of purification of water and cannot cause any problems to anyone,” added the official though commuters choose to disagree.
“Early in the morning the lake water with the flow of the wind sprinkles on motorists and pedestrians and it is extremely depressing when you know how dirty the water is,” said K Rajesh, who commutes to work by the Tank Bund road.
However, some of the fountains have already been closed down for the past few days facing the Tank Bund owing partly to public protest and the advent of monsoons.
The rise in the water level to over two feet in the Hussainsagar has caused two fountains to submerged. “These fountains have to be re-anchored now and brought up to the present water level. It will be done soon,” said an official. However, the actual cause of delay for re-anchoring has been the lack of a motorboat. “With the strong winds blowing this season, it is difficult to access all seven fountains on a paddle boat. We have also informed the agency in charge of operations and maintenance of the fountains,” he added.