Cherlapally Lake development in limbo

Cherlapally: Soon after taking over as the Mayor of the city, Bonthu Rammohan’s first promise to the people of Cherlapally from where he won as a Corporator was to develop the Cherlapally Lake on the lines of Tank Bund but even today, the lake cries for attention as there has been no progress on the beatification project.  

Failed promises
•    Walking track worth of Rs 5.9 cr was sanctioned.
•    For overall beautification of the lake Rs 7.5 cr was sanctioned but there has been no progress.

Problems galore

•  Water level is reducing in the lake as there is a gap in the embankment. Unless it is repaired, the lake may dry up.
•  300 fishermen depend on the lake
• On an average 1 tonne fish is caught per week but due to the receding water levels, fish is dying and there is no enough food for the fish to feed on.
•  Aquatic life is reducing as the water levels are reducing and several trees are dying on the periphery

As part of the beautification, a walking track around the lake, seating and boating facilities, tree plantation was planned and a sum of Rs 7.5 cr was allotted. Pandu, a resident of Cherlapally said, “There is a problem in the embankment and water from the lake is seeping out and as a result, the water is reducing. If the lake is to be saved repairs on the embankment should be taken up as soon as possible.”

The lake which was originally spread over 65 acres is now reduced to 58 acres due to encroachment, Pandu said, “If the walking track is developed further encroachment can be stopped.” When a written representation was given to the Mayor he said that it was his home and there was no need for a letter. We were overjoyed but even two years have passed it is not taken up for development.”

300 fishermen depend on the lake

About 300 fishermen depend on the lake for their livelihood. Every week a tonne of fish is caught and sold in the nearby market, but fishermen said that due to the receding water there isn’t enough food for the fish and the survival rate has dropped considerably.

M Narasimha, President of the Cherlapally Lake Fish Catchers Association said, “Unless repairs on the embankment are taken up, fishermen would go out of work soon. The lake now depends only on rain water as all the channels have been closed due to real estate development.

” The sewerage treatment plant to prevent effluents into the lake also has not been taken up. The only developmental activity in site is the baby tank that was constructed for Ganesh idol immersion and for Bathukamma.

By S Ashok