Saroornagar Lake in Hyderabad is facing issues once again, mainly being turned into a floating dump yard. Locals are unhappy that the desilting work, which started last month, was stopped suddenly without any explanation. They are also accusing GHMC officials of not monitoring the ongoing garbage dumping in the lake.
Residents mentioned that GHMC commissioner Ronald Rose had visited last month and promised to clean up the lake. The desilting work began but was stopped after just five days, with only five percent of the task completed. The lake is very polluted, filled with plastic bottles, puja items, and fabrics scattered around its edges.
Data from the Telangana State Pollution Control Board from December 2023 shows that the lake’s dissolved oxygen level is 2.0 mg/L, just above the critical level for supporting aquatic life. The pH level is 7.24, and the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) is high at 5.4 mg/L, indicating significant organic pollution. There are also high levels of fecal coliform and total coliform, suggesting contamination.
The entire lake has turned into a dump yard, with both its inlet and outlet severely damaged. GHMC officials have been making false promises despite continuous complaints. Mosquito infestations have increased, leading to waterborne diseases in the surrounding areas, according to K Jagan Reddy, president of the Greenpark Colony Welfare Association in Saroornagar.
Developmental projects under Mission Kakatiya Phase IV were approved two years ago, but only 20 percent of the work has been completed due to lack of funds. Locals are skeptical about the lake’s improvement as planned, with no visible progress so far. Complaints have been made, but no action has been taken to develop the lake or install a perimeter fence to address the situation, as stated by resident V Reddy.
