Residents urge govt to revive Kotha Cheruvu

Alwal: The Kotha Cheruvu (Old Alwal Lake) is in a pitiable condition with water hyacinth taking over the lake surface and trash filled over the lake surroundings. This issue has become a major concern for locals residing here.

"Without proper drainage system or sewerage facilities, the waste water including organic pollutants, pesticides, domestic waste, and other toxic stuff flows into the lake converting it into a cesspool," said Venkatesh, a resident of Old Alwal.

He further said that because of sewage water discharged into the lake, it was resulting in mosquito menace and a persistent foul smell was emanating from the lake. After the recent rains, the problem just compounded.

The senior citizens living in the area say that the lake was pristine in the 80s and many would take a stroll in the evenings. Today, it was impossible to spend time near the lake.

Y Rahul, a local said, "The 20-acre lake needs urgent attention from the auth0rities to revive the lake to its previous glory. The locals have complained many times to the concerned authority to clean the lake but no concrete action has been taken".