Ramakrishna Puram tank to have fresh water from 2020

Ramakrishna Puram: The Ramakrishna Puram Lake also known as Mukidi Cheruvu is known for its scenic beauty. However, its restoration scheduled to be completed by February 2020 appears bleak given the state of irregular rains and fate or land acquisition cases.

The amount that was estimated for redevelopment of the lake was Rs 880.98 lakh, which includs Rs 126.36 lakh for peripheral drain works and Rs 754.62 lakh for headworks. The restoration works began in the first week of May this year when 20 lakes were taken up by GHMC for desilting and dewatering.

Speaking to The Hans India, Prasad, Executive Engineer for Lakes and Irrigation, GHMC East Zone, said, "As per the plan that was decided for the re-development, we will be working on the sewage water using the downstream sewage treatment plant (STP).

Along the periphery, a pathway was planned, after clearing the lake. Due to the rainfall, the clearing process is yet to be completed. The water that is currently present in the lake is of the recent rainfall in the city. The lake has protected with fencing to fend off encroachers. The total number of lake taken by GHMC for desilting and dewatering is 20 lakes."

Officials are still waiting for the rainfall to stop for the further process. However, filling of tank will be through rainwater. The sewage lines are in the process of removal, after which the lake will only have only freshwater i.e., rainwater. According to officials, irregular rains and land acquisition cases are leading to delays in the completion of works.

"When the lake was dewatered and the cleaning process was yet to start, the rainwater after the downpour got filled up in the lake. Now we are still waiting for the rainfall to start the further proceedings. The reason that the sewage lines are still not removed is due to the irregular rains and land cases. As the lake has been slumped to 40 acres from 60 acres, the source of filling water is through the rainwater," said Prasad.