Safilguda Lake Anything but Swachh, Needs Attention

HYDERABAD: Safilguda Lake Park, a scenic and attractive spot in the northern part of Hyderabad, is crying for attention from authorities. Spread over five acres, Safilguda Lake Park has not only  ecological significance but is also a favourite spot for the people from surrounding residential areas. But lack of even basic facilities at the park is not just annoying visitors but is also threatening the ecosystem of the lake.

‘Earlier, the Lake Park used to have all amenities like drinking water, canteen and boating facilities. Families and visitors from nearby areas and also far off places used to come here and spend time. But all those facilities have been ruined and even children play installations are dilapidated now. Many times, kids playing here have been injured also,” said Y Ravi, a resident of nearby colony Vinayaknagar.

Safilguda Lake Park, popular as Mini Tank Bund, receives between 700 and 1,000 visitors daily. In spite of so many visitors and potential for being developed as a tourist spot, Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) officials turned a blind eye towards the park. While the canteen remains closed, boats stay afloat amid garbage in the lake.

Safilguda lake was restored under the lake conservation programme over 10 years back and it became popular as a tourist destination then due to facilities like boating. But slowly HMDA started neglecting it and the once beautiful lake has now become a garbage dump for people of surrounding areas.

Many people from nearby areas throw garbage and pooja materials into the lake. In spite of repeated requests and campaigns by officials and Safilguda Lake Park Welfare Association members, the problem has not been solved. To stop people from throwing garbage into the lake and monitor the lake park, just one watchman has been employed. One person is not enough to look over a large lake and a park spreading over five acres.

“Besides being a scenic spot, the lake also attracts rare birds. Therefore, instead of neglecting it, officials should develop it as a tourist spot,” a resident of East Anand Bagh said.