The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Aquatic weed invades RK Puram Lake

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Sunday, Jan 17, 2010
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Aquatic weed invades RK Puram Lake

D.V.L Padma Priya

Lack of maintenance and absence of vigilant officials have left the lake, once home to migratory birds, in a pitiable condition

— Photo: G. Krishnaswamy

In dire straits: The RK Puram Lake sporting a viscous sheet of hyacinth that is attributed to the rise in pollutant levels in the city.

HYDERABAD: It’s literally a battle against life and death for the Ramakrishnapuram Lake located in R.K. Puram in the heart of Secunderabad.

Over the past few months, the lake has developed a green carpet like appearance with the ‘horse shoe’ weed (gurappa dekka in local lingo) covering over three-fourths of the lake body.

Lack of maintenance and absence of vigilant officials have left the lake, once home to migratory birds, in a pitiable condition.

Residents claim they had brought the issue of the weed growth months ago to the officials.

“When I saw that the weed was spreading steadily, I informed the municipal officials but nothing has been so far,” says P. Mukul, a resident of nearby G.K. Colony.

While the fence erected by the municipality has managed to keep the encroachers at bay, it has not managed to prevent polluters from using the lake as a dumping ground.

Mosquito menace

“On several occasions, early in the morning or late in the night, we have seen people dumping animal waste and other waste into the lake,” claims Sujit Reddy, a resident who lives in a nearby apartment.

The spread of weed and wild shrubs has given rise to mosquito menace too, say residents.

“Now we have to close our windows and doors by 5 p.m. or else we will be attacked by mosquitoes,” says M. Narayana, a resident pointing out that it has been over four months since the municipality has carried out fogging.

B.T.Srinivasan, member of United Federation of Resident Welfare Associations (U-FERWAS) said they had brought the same to the notice of the concerned corporator Mariamma Chacko almost a month ago.

“Apart from dumping of animal waste, even untreated sewerage from upper bank colonies are also being let into the lake,” he added.

Stench

Morning walkers in the area also claim that the lake has been emitting a stench.

“The lake has been stinking on and off for almost three months now and the stench is only getting worse,” says Vijaya Goud, another resident.

I.Chacko, the corporator’s husband who volunteered to represent Mrs. Chacko when contacted, said the financial crunch in GHMC was hindering lake cleaning work. “As soon as funds are allotted, the protection of the lake would be our top priority,” he asserted.

Mr. Chacko added that a proposal has also been put forth to lay a separate underground drainage line to stop sewerage from being let into the lake.

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