Rotting stench suffocates passers-by

Neknampur: From being a rich source for the survival of aquatic ecosystems, providing drinking water to people living in the vicinity, to a lake filled with filth that threatens life forms which depend on it, the Ibrahim Lake in Neknampur still lies in a state of neglect. 

The terrible stench from rotting piles in the lake's water causes suffocation to not just the passersby but also has a serious impact on the health of the residents living around it. Moreover, the water body has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes that spread diseases among those residing in its neighbourhood. 
  
Uncleared decaying wastes from the lake has paved way for a rapid growth of water hyacinths in the region reducing the oxygen levels other organisms living in it. In fact the absence of an exit for the movement of sludge in the lake is resulting in the contamination of groundwater in the areas located near the water body.

A member of an NGO, on condition of anonymity, alleged that large pipes from various townships are being used to dump waste-water from upstream into Ibrahim lake.

 Residents have also complained that due to the lack of regular patrolling near the lake, Neknampur has turned into a ground for illegal and unsocial activities causing inconvenience to people residing in the area. Despite several awareness drives held by the residents and several NGOs in the area, no action has been taken by officials to restore the lake water.
 
Hence, the Neknampur Lakes Restoration and Cooperative Society in collaboration with SAHE, a non profit organisation committed to saving lakes are undertaking unique activities at the lake to bring attention of the municipal authorities towards the poor condition of Neknampur Lake. For instance, they had conducted a kite festival near the lake during Sankranthi this year to highlight the issue. 

Kalpana Ramesh, a Hyderabad based eco activist  who participated in the event said that by bring the lake in our celebrations, it would not just shed light on the problem but also make our younger generations understand the importance of lakes for our survival. The residents too have agreed on disposing the wastes in a safer manner to help in restoring the lake to its previous glory. 

But it is unfortunate that time and again, water bodies across the twin cities are falling prey to the rapid growth of cities and industries in and around it. It is high time that we voice out for stringent laws in protecting these precious natural resources.