Gadwal: A Troubled Lake in Need of Help
Nestled between the Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers, the lakes of Jogulamba Gadwal District should be thriving. However, the reality is different. The Bingidoddi Cheruvu (Lake) in Aija Municipality is in dire need of restoration.
Despite its prime location, Bingidoddi Lake has become a barren expanse. A lack of adequate rainfall has left the lake dry and the surrounding farmlands parched. Farmers, who once depended on this lake for irrigation, now face distressing conditions and cannot cultivate their lands.
The situation is ironic. Heavy rains in upstream Karnataka and Maharashtra swell the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers, but millions of cubic feet of water flow away, bypassing the farmers in Aija who desperately need it. This highlights a critical issue in water resource management.
Previous administrations have neglected the region’s agrarian community. Despite promises made around the formation of Telangana state, tangible benefits in terms of irrigation water remain elusive. For example, 5 crore rupees were sanctioned during the BRS government to construct a mini tank bund at Bingidoddi Lake. However, the project has seen no progress due to official apathy.
Attempts to desilt the lake led to the creation of 40-foot deep pits. Instead of rejuvenating the lake, this effort has prevented water from reaching it, making the situation worse. Repeated appeals to the Assistant Engineer (AE) have been ignored, further frustrating the farmers.
When The Hans India looked into the matter, officials assured that the pits would be filled and leveled soon. However, these assurances have yet to materialize, and the lake remains in a dismal state. The lake, unable to capture even a drop of water, stands as a testament to the inefficacy of these promises.
The neglect has directly impacted nearly 550 acres of command area, turning once fertile lands into barren plots. Farmers, who have tilled these lands for generations, now find their livelihoods in jeopardy. The dry fields symbolize not just an environmental crisis but also a socio-economic one.
In light of this crisis, recent political developments have given some hope. BJP district leaders, led by district president Ramachandra Reddy, visited Bingidoddi Lake and engaged with local farmers. They promised to fight for irrigation water until it reaches the command area. Ramachandra Reddy even warned of intensified agitation if the lake is not filled soon.
The story of Bingidoddi Lake reflects broader issues in water resource management and administrative neglect. The lake’s restoration is not just about refilling a water body; it’s about rejuvenating hundreds of farmers’ livelihoods, restoring ecological balance, and upholding promises made during the formation of Telangana state.
As political leaders pledge their support, it is crucial that these promises lead to swift and effective action. The future of Bingidoddi Lake and its surrounding farmlands depends on the concerted efforts of officials, political leaders, and the community. Only then can this tale of neglect be rewritten into a story of restoration and hope.
