Hyderabad: IDL lake now an ugly eyesore

Now, the lake is filled with sewerage water, hyacinth, weed and trash. It emits a putrid malodorous smell that engulfs the nearby localities and has a nauseating effect on the residents. It's also the cause for the mosquito menace plaguing the colonies located around the lake

Hyderabad: Once a sprawling scenic water body, the IDL lake near Kukatpally is now a cesspool with trash dumped within and on the periphery of the lake. The lake has turned into green colour due to algae growth and is covered with a thick blanket of hyacinth. Many cyclists and morning walkers who recently visited the lake pointed out that the lake was in a pathetic condition and restoration of lake to its past glory is a far dream.

The locals said that the sewage water discharged into lakes is the main cause for the death of lake. It emits a putrid malodorous smell that encompasses the nearby localities and has a nauseating effect on the residents. It's also the cause for the mosquito menace plaguing the colonies located around the lake. "With lockdown imposed, we did not approach the GHMC over the issue," said S Rao, a resident of Rainbow Vistas, near IDL lake.

"Recently we visited the lake and saw it has turned greenish and the surrounding areas were filled with trash. The authorities concerned should clean up the lake as soon as possible," said Vivek Rana, a cyclist enthusiast.

Another cyclist, a resident of Mahindra Ashvita, Abhijeet said, "As a cyclist, I keep visiting various lakes. The once magnificent water body has been reduced to a dump yard. Hyacinth has come back after a few months of lockdown and mosquito population has increased. Now, the lake is filled with sewerage water, hyacinth, weed, and trash. The lake needs to be restored to its past glory by taking up lake beautification works. Also, anti-larval spraying should be done at the earliest."

Speaking to The Hans India, Prashanti, Deputy Commissioner, Kukatpally and Moosapet circle, said, "A survey has been conducted by the officials on IDL lake and all other lakes that come under GHMC limits. As per the condition of lakes, cleaning activities would be initiated in phases. Tender process for allotting contracts for lake works is in progress and very soon the lake cleaning works would begin. Then with the help of drones anti-larval spraying would be undertaken by the entomology department."