Hyderabad: Miyapur lakes turn cesspools due to neglect

Miyapur: The water bodies in Miyapur appear to have been neglected by authorities. The two scenic lakes namely Medikunta Lake (15 acres) and Anumula Kunta Lake (12 acres) which once had pristine clear water are now polluted with sewage flowing into them. Locals allegedly say that major portions of these lakes have been encroached by land sharks in the recent years.

It's high time for the officials to step in and ensure the splendour of these lakes is brought back. Anumula Kunta Lake is now covered with a thick blanket of water hyacinth while both the lakes are filled with trash. Locals allegedly say that officials of revenue and irrigation departments are least concerned about development of these lakes.

They have pointed out that major issue concerning these water bodies is dumping of garbage and discharge of sewage into the water bodies by people in the surrounding localities. Water is hardly visible and the lakes look like vast green fields as they have not been cleaned for a long time.

"The catchment of Medikunta Lake has been filled with debris. A lot of illegal encroachments are taking place. Many times this issue was highlighted and represented to the officials concerned. But they haven't taken any action so far. Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) officials are only giving importance to few lakes and leaving the rest of the lakes undeveloped. Many times, we have asked them to take immediate action to clean the lakes.

All false promises were made by them and till today no permanent solution to stop letting sewage into the lake has been taken. It is high time GHMC should make a proper plan to solve the issue," said Vinay Vangala, a social activist and resident of Miyapur.

"These two lakes need urgent attention. As the sewage water is flowing into the lakes, it would be better if a storm water drain were constructed which would give a great relief to the residents. Due to this issue, the mosquito menace has also increased.

Medikunta Lake's size has shrunk and every single day some attempts are being made for illegal encroachments. Despite several appeals and petitions sent to concern authorities, no efforts have been made by them to restore the lakes," said T Umesh, a resident of Miyapur.

"We have received several complaints regarding Medikunta Lake. Recently we have deviated sewage water through the downstream and now there is no problem," said Seshagiri Rao, assistant executive engineer, Lakes and Irrigation department.