The Hindu : Plan to set up STP at Durgam Cheruvu

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Nov 23, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh-Hyderabad

Plan to set up STP at Durgam Cheruvu

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD NOV. 22. The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) has made a case for setting up a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) for the 63-acre Durgam Cheruvu with the Union Government. The Durgam Cheruvu used to be the drinking water source for the Golconda Fort during the period of Qutub Shahi rulers.

Disclosing this to mediapersons in an informal chat on Saturday, the APTDC Chairman and Managing Director, C. Anjaneya Reddy, said the APTDC, which had started the ambitious project of Durgam Cheruvu Lake Conservation and Resort Development two years ago, as a first step had provided fencing around the lake to prevent encroachments. Since then it had spent about Rs. 2 crores to beautify the lake and attract visitors with several facilities like landscaping, pleasure boating with two floating jetties, angling, illumination, promenades, a coffee shop and restaurant and bar and facilities for open-air-get-together and parties. "Our efforts paid off and it has become immensely popular tourist spot."

But in proportion to the popularity of the place, all possible measures needed to be taken to conserve the lake and prevent its pollution. Hence the priority for the STP, he said.

The STP was essential to prevent untreated sewage from nearby residential areas entering the lake. It was estimated to cost Rs. 4 to Rs. 5 crores and a survey has already been completed and the work is proposed to begin in April or May next year. As conservation of the lake was a major responsibility, attention was also being given to clear the green algae by introducing a variety of fish that feed on them and the water hyacinth, he said.

New attractions

The APTDC has added new attractions by developing a portion of the hillock on Eastern side with wilderness landscaping with an amphitheatre, `The Crescent', a snack bar `On the Rocks' and a partying area `The Deck', ideal for corporate parties, social gatherings and cultural events and other entertainment programmes, he said.

Mr. Reddy said the amphitheatre with a seating capacity of 1,300 in the natural ambience amidst ancient rock formations, with informal seats on the stone benches, would be ideal to enjoy cultural programmes. He said the place was ready for opening and they were planning a formal inauguration by the Chief Minister. The place would become a value addition to the tourism infrastructure in city as it has a unique natural rocky ambience in natural setting. Care has been taken to enhance the natural beauty of lake and its environs without interfering with nature, by providing a green belt interspersed with natural growth. "We want to promote it as a unique and charming venue for various events and the place has been shown to event managers too," he said.

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