Shrinking Langar Houz Lake Faces Severe Pollution
Hyderabad: The historic Langar Houz lake is in a dire state. Sewage water from nearby areas is flowing directly into the lake, polluting it severely. The lake, which once covered around 42 acres, has now been reduced to nearly half its original size. This is largely due to the growth of residential areas on what used to be the lake bed. The lake is also facing a major problem with encroachments, having around 10 significant illegal constructions.
Lake Covered with Weeds
The lake is now covered with water hyacinth and algal weeds, which are leading to eutrophication—a process that depletes the water of oxygen, making it difficult for aquatic life to survive. Although the lake has been surrounded by walls, residents say that many parts of these walls have been damaged. People living near the back of the lake have broken the walls in several places because they don’t have proper access points.
Lake Area Shrinking Rapidly
According to official records, the Langar Houz Lake covered an area of 24.871 acres as of a 2014 survey, with the lake’s boundary stretching over 38.013 acres. However, the lake area has now shrunk to just 24 acres, and encroachments continue to grow. Construction activities are moving ahead at a fast pace, further reducing the size of the lake.
What is Full Tank Level?
The Full Tank Level (FTL) of a lake refers to the maximum amount of water it is designed to hold. The area around the lake that makes up this maximum stretch is known as the Buffer Zone.
Residents Concerned Over Rapid Deterioration
Mohammed Osman Al Hajri, a resident of Tolichowki, expressed his concerns over the lake’s deteriorating condition. He pointed out that what remains of the lake is quickly turning into a dumping ground for construction waste and garbage. The water hyacinth now covers almost the entire lake. Despite several projects by civic authorities aimed at preserving the lake, it continues to be in terrible shape.
Flooding Issues for Nearby Residents
The Langar Houz lake is surrounded by four residential colonies that frequently face flooding issues during the monsoon season. Yet, land sharks are still attempting to encroach further by dumping construction waste into the lake.
History of Flooding
“In the years 2000, 2008, 2020, and 2021, residents faced massive flooding,” Osman said. The shrinking lake is a major reason for this flooding. Because the lake area has been occupied by houses, there is no outlet for backwaters to exit, leading to frequent floods. Additionally, the inlet that allows water to enter the lake has also narrowed due to unchecked construction and encroachments.
Land Encroachment Concerns
Osman further explained how land sharks operate. “When construction debris is dumped on the banks of the lake over time, it creates a plot of land that a real estate agent can sell at a cheap rate,” he said. This is how several of the colonies surrounding the Langar Houz lake came into existence, causing the lake to shrink even further.
