HYDERABAD: Bhagirathamma cheruvu or Nanakramguda lake, which is one of the best preserved water bodies in Hyderabad, is under threat of complete destruction, like many other lakes in the city.
The lake is one of the handful of water bodies in Hyderabad which still harbours aquatic life and where fishing is possible. Many species of birds make a stop-over at this lake, which is located a little away from mega residential projects in a picturesque location and is protected one one side by a small hillock.
A major threat the lake faces is a damaged sewage line which has been leaking sewage water for the past few months into the lake.
Ironically, while on one side of the lake, treated water flows into it from Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) constructed by HMWS&SB, on another side the damaged sewage line is polluting the lake day and night.
The STP is not run for 24 hours like it is expected to. Rather, as per sources, it is run for just 12-14 hours a day or a maximum of 16 hours, rendering the purpose of having a STP futile.
The damage to sewage line which has been polluting Nanakramguda lake was allegedly caused during the construction of a road that leads from Khajaguda towards Ramanaidu Studio and the STP, which are located adjacent to the lake. Sewage is also being let into the lake from a settlement adjacent to the lake. Huge herds of pigs are also being reared on the lake’s bank.
Attempts made to encroach upon lake land
Another major issue that threatens the lake’s existence is that Lake View Colony Plot Owners Association, a private body, is in a tussle with state government and have been erecting boards claiming part of the land to be theirs. Recently Rangareddy collector erected a board making it clear that the land belongs to state government. Madhulika Choudhary, member of an environmental NGO called Dhruvansh, who brought the issue of the lake getting polluted recently to the attention of Serilingampally MLA, A Gandhi, said, “Members of the association claiming a part of the lake land as theirs had a fight with state government officials when they had visited the lake recently. It is very worrisome. Bhagirathamma cheruvu is one of the handful of lakes in Hyderabad which is still in good condition and state government should ensure that the situation is improved by providing required protection and conservation measures immediately.”