In Hyderabad, the Chinna Cheruvu lake in Ramanthapur has drastically shrunk in size due to rapid construction activities. Once covering more than 20 acres, the lake has now reduced to just about 8 acres. Chinna Cheruvu is part of a chain of lakes connected to the larger Pedda Cheruvu and eventually drains into the Musi river. The shrinking of the lake has raised concerns, especially since it was one of the lakes responsible for flooding nearby homes during the 2020 deluge, which led to a visit from former Minister KTR.
Over time, the lake has become heavily polluted, turning into a cesspool filled with various contaminants. This pollution not only causes a foul smell but also harms the fish and other aquatic creatures living in the lake. In an attempt to reduce the odor, authorities have sprayed fresheners over the lake, which activists believe has contributed to the death of thousands of fish earlier this year. Bapatla Krishnamohan, a green activist who has been advocating for the lake’s restoration for over two decades, suspects that the spraying of these fresheners is to blame for the fish deaths.
Despite numerous efforts by local activists to obtain accurate information about the lake’s Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zone, there remains a lack of clarity. Different government departments have provided varying figures, with some quoting less than 20 acres for the FTL. A 2013 preliminary notification suggested that the lake’s FTL is 11.5 acres, but a final notification has yet to be issued. Krishnamohan emphasized the need for clarity on the lake’s FTL and buffer zone.
The lake’s outlets have been closed, disrupting the natural chain of lakes that drain into the Musi river. In recent years, the area around the lake has undergone significant changes, including the construction of a gym and walking track by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), as well as the building of religious structures. These developments have completely transformed the nature of the water body.
Recently, local green activists, along with Krishnamohan, met with Chief Minister Revanth to discuss the restoration of both Chinna Cheruvu and Pedda Cheruvu in Ramanthapur. With the government’s commitment to freeing water bodies from encroachments, there is hope that Chinna Cheruvu will also be restored and its encroachments removed.
