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The last of the city’s potable water resources, the Gandipet lake – also popularly known as Osmansagar – is under duress due to inefficient waste management system that has led to excessive pollution. The FTL and buffer zone of the water body are ridden with encroachments as villages surrounding the 46 sq km lake have taken up construction on the catchment areas.
Recently, instances of garbage and debris dumping at various places around Gandipet lake, flooded social media.
The ramification of such exploitation can be serious warn experts highlighting how the historic reservoir isn’t just a drinking water source but was mainly built as a flood mitigation measure by the sixth Nizam, post the horrific 1908 floods.
“Disturbing the lake catchment will prove disastrous for the entire city. Especially with GO 111, which gave some protection to the twin reservoirs (Osmansagar and Himayatsagar), being scrapped. Permissions for constructions are issued without any master plan in place. It all points to a calamity waiting to happen,” said BV Subba Rao, technical member, reservoirs and lakes (water domain), Bureau of Indian Standards.
These expeditions comprise a diverse group of professionals and tourists from various parts of India, coming together for the journey. Director Tourism, Kashmir said J&K Tourism is actively promoting 75 new trekking routes and efforts are underway to popularise aero adventures to offer a wide range of adventure tourism options.
Other issues plaguing the lake include inlet of sewerage into the lake, dumping of construction waste on the catchment areas, among others. “With a new park coming up adjacent to the lake, littering of the water body has become rampant. Authorities need to take action against violators by imposing hefty fines and inculcating basic civic sense,” Kalyan Murthy, a civic activist and resident of Janapadu village told TOI. According to Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) maps, there are more than 100 encroachments within the FTL limits itself. However, activists claim that the number runs into thousands. “There are several compound walls, fencings, farmhouses and a sports complex built in the FTL area. These are clearly encroachments that exist in the government records but no action has been taken so far,” said Balasubramaniam, an activist.
Officials said that they are preparing a protection plan for the lake and have already completed several beautification works which include construction of the park and walking tracks. “The rejuvenation plan will ensure the lake’s protection and also promote the place as a major tourist destination with several amenities like boating, cycling among others,” a senior HMDA official said.
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