Hussain Sagar bioremediation contract to be renewed

Hyderabad: To eradicate foul smell, stop growth of algae and improve water quality in Hussain Sagar, Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority(HMDA) is planning for bioremediation this year as well.

Bioremediation is a process used to treat contaminated media, including water, soil and subsurface material, by altering environmental conditions to stimulate growth of microorganisms and degrade the target pollutants.

Last year,HMDA gave the contract to NACOF, a Bengaluru-based company. However, it was learnt the work was not up to its satisfaction as recent heavy downpour brought the condition of lakeback to square one.

Speaking to The Hans India, Param Jyothi, executive engineer, HMDA, said, "The company carried out the treatment by using effective microorganisms (EM) technology, sprayed EM solution and Bokashi balls (EM mud balls) in the lake. The outcome for a while was satisfactory as the water quality improved and also foul smell reduced and the dissolved oxygen (DO) varied from 3.6 to 6.4 mg/l and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) from 30 to 36 mg/l."

Last year,an agreement was signed with the company for 12 months and Rs 3 crore was spent. The work began in April 2018 and was completed in June 2019, but the result was not up to the mark."To improve the water quality we require better technology for remediation. This year more tenders are in the process mainly insisting on technology. The expert committee would decide whom to give the contract," he said.

The contract would be for a period of six months to one year and the agency would have to enhance water quality, reduce concentration of suspended matter and stop the growth of bacteria. A similar operation was taken up in 2013 and 2016 and the water quality improved, added executive engineer.