Hyderabad Lakes & Parks

[Ron7]

This thread will keep track of all the news related to Hyderabad Lakes| Parks | Gardens | Environment

[Ron7]

Bridge planned on Secret Lake


The government has proposed to build a suspension bridge across the Secret Lake (Durgam Cheruvu) in Jubilee Hills.

The bridge is yet another attraction in addition to the proposed ropeway.

The Chief Minister, Mr N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, on Thursday agreed to sanction Rs 40 crore for the bridge, which is likely to become a major tourist attraction.

The Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation proposed the bridge, which is designed to reduce the traffic congestion on the Jubilee Hills and Madhapur roads.

A new road will be laid directly to Gachibowli connecting through the suspension bridge.

[Ron7]

Durgam Cheruvu ropeway: Four private parties submit EoI

The much-boasted project to construct a ropeway at Durgam Cheruvu in the city is gaining momentum with four private organisations coming forward to take up the project.

Estimated to cost about Rs. 4 crore, works would begin soon after the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) finalises the organisation to construct the ropeway.

PPP mode

A ropeway connecting the lake bed to the hilltop would be developed under the Public-Private-Partnership mode. Four private agencies have already submitted their Expression of Interest (EoI) for constructing the ropeway.

Under PPP mode, government does not have to invest any money, as the successful bidder will construct, maintain and share the revenue generated from the service, says APTDC Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Sandeep Kumar Sultania.

The land for constructing the ropeway base and other amenities, including waiting halls will be provided on lease for a stipulated time. A private consultancy has been roped in to monitor the construction works.

The organisation which offers maximum revenue sharing ratio to the government will be finalised to take up the project in a month, he said.

Other plans

Plans have also been chalked out to construct a similar service at Kondagattu in Karimnagar district. The project is estimated to cost about Rs. 4 crore and already three organisations have submitted their EoI applications for taking up the project, says Mr. Sultania.

On the plans to construct a ropeway service at Kanakadurga Temple in Vijayawada, Mr. Sultania says talks are on with Endowments Department for allotment of land.

“Special meetings are being held with Endowments authorities and very shortly, the issue will be resolved. This apart, the Central government has agreed to sanction funds for the entire project,” Mr. Sultania adds.

[Ron7]

Good to see this!!!!

Rock park to come up in city

Dry textures – sporting enigmatic and solemn expressions. Now one can savour their stony ridges and hillocks shaped into picturesque balancing forms. Adventure lovers cheer up. Hyderabad is going to get its first rock park shortly.

The government has decided to set up a rock park at Fakhruddin Gutta in Khajaguda.

Situated behind the Lanco Hills in Gachibowli, it is a huge sheet rock with boulder formations and caves. The dargah of Baba Fakruddin Aulia, after whom the rock formations are named, is at the peak.

The 600-year old dargah and the rock formations around it were declared a heritage precinct in 2009. There are also two Hindu shrines in the rocks.

Natural caves

“The rocks have jumbled up in such a way that they form natural caves. The place is just ideal for bouldering”, says Frauke Quader, secretary, Society to Save Rocks.

The government's decision fulfils the long pending demand of the society for protection of the spectacular ancient granite formations, typical of the Deccan.

Fakruddin Gutta is one of the four heritage rock precincts considered for a recreational and adventure park. The other areas are: Venakteswaragutta situated in the north of Shamirpet lake, Ghar-e-Mubarak rock area behind Taramati Baradari extending towards A.P. Police Academy and the Allabanda and Gangabowli-ka-pahad. This rocky ridge is situated between Asifnagar and Sitarambagh.

“Unless the heritage precincts are brought under adaptive reuse it is difficult to protect them”, said Jayesh Ranjan, Tourism Secretary.

Fencing

He said the development of the rock park at Fakruddin Gutta would require just Rs. 8 lakh. The cost would be shared by the Tourism Department and GHMC. The park would be ready in next six months as only minimum development was required.

The main task will be to demarcate and protect the area through fencing. Of course facilities like garden furniture, illumination, small snack and water bar, toilets and security have to be provided. Also canopy and water cascading will be created to highlight the natural beauty of the rocks. “We don't have to do too many artificial things”, Mr. Ranjan said. So, guys get set for some adventure sport.

[carzzz12]

Wow this is great news if they can plan something like this below I think it be the awesomest thing to happen in hyderabad.... I am sure this will make the investment in hyderabad from 1 lakh crore to 2 lakh crore.... just kidding but this bridge if constructed will be the greatest thing to happen in hyderabad in terms of infrastructure... of course after the outer ring road

Suspension bridge... mindblowing..!!!

image hosted on flickr

[Prodigist]

Cool.. Nice developments around Durgam Cheruvu.. Looks like the bridge would be atleast 200 meters long

Another landmark in the making

And this also improves the connectivity between Banjara Hills Rd No 1 and Hitec City. Just cant wait for the renders

[HydSkyScraper]

Originally Posted by Prodigist

Cool.. Nice developments around Durgam Cheruvu.. Looks like the bridge would be atleast 200 meters long

Another landmark in the making

And this also improves the connectivity between Banjara Hills Rd No 1 and Hitec City. Just cant wait for the renders

With proposed ropeway & Suspension bridge coming at Durgam Cheruvu ....are really cool developments.

[bobbie501]

Another San Francisco in the making....

[Ron7]

99 tanks in Hyderabad found encroached

Ninety-nine of the 127 water bodies identified for protection in the city outskirts and within Ranga Reddy district limits have been encroached to varying extents as could be seen in a high resolution satellite data study by the administration.

And their reclamation could be next to impossible, if the studies conducted by the district administration are anything to go by. Implied in the piece of news is the warning that there could be inundations during every bountiful monsoon.

Out of the total tank bed area of over 3,443 acres with respect to 99 water bodies within the 10 erstwhile municipalities, now part of GHMC, an extent of over 483 acres was found to be encroached and needs to be reclaimed, the study says.

The encroached area is covered by 3,150 structures all of which have to be removed if the tank beds are to be reclaimed. Interestingly, the number of families Above Poverty Line (APL) occupying the tank beds, at 2,134, far exceeds the number of those Below Poverty Line (BPL) counted as 1,016.

“Even apartment complexes have been constructed within the tank beds by moving the stones demarcating the Full Tank Level (FTL). We have come across instances where structures were built around the FTL stone,” revealed an official from the collectorate.

As is typical to the Telangana region, tank beds do not automatically become government property. There are private lands too within FTL limits, granted by the erstwhile rulers of the region purely for agricultural purposes during dry seasons.

Urbanisation

As the surroundings got urbanised, the lands too have been sold for development. This happened with alarming speed during the drought period between 1996 and 2004 when the real estate was reaching its peak.

The local official machinery which ought to preclude unauthorised constructions in tank beds is in shambles as neither GHMC nor HMDA, which must ensure legality of the structure before sanctioning layouts, turned blind eye to such irregularities. And revenue officials only act upon complaints.

“There is woeful shortage of staff to control unauthorised constructions. Builders obtain stay orders from court before we can demolish. Even while court proceedings are on, he would have finished the construction and sold it to a number of gullible customers, ” lamented the official.

Though the infringements have come down after the issue got official attention, there are still instances of illegal construction, particularly in areas under HMDA. Now bunds are being proposed to be constructed around whatever is remaining of the tanks excluding the structures so that there would be no further encroachments, the official added.

[Ron7]

Hussainsagar to regain lost glory

As part of the Hussainsagar Lake and Catchment Area Improvement Project (HCIP) taken up with financial assistance from Japan International Cooperation Agency, the work on dredging and disposal of sediment at three nalas that joins the lake, would be taken up soon.

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) which is the implementing authority for the project has decided to start with dredging of sediment at the mouth of three inlets, Balkapur Nala, Banjara Nala and Picket Nala. The work on the nala connecting the water body from Kukatpally side would be started at a later date.

According to the officials, the quantity of dredging at all the four nalas has been estimated at 10 lakh cubic metre. “This being estimated wet material from the dredging of sediment, when dried it should be around 70 per cent, i.e., 7 lakh cu.m.,” an official said.

Initially the Balkapur, Banjara and Picket nalas were being taken up for the project as they were categorised as non-hazardous. From the three itself, the dredged material to be scooped has been estimated to be around 7 lakh cu.m.

“Since the dredged material from these three nalas would be non-hazardous and nutrient rich, most of it has planned for shifting to Jawaharnagar dump site,” said the HMDA Member (Environment), Sunil Kumar Gupta.

The authorities have been working on a separate formulation to address the dredging at the mouth of nala from Kukatpally as it had been categorised as hazardous.

Certain objects were raised over the site of dumping of material from this point and Jawaharnagar dump site had been ruled out as a possibility.

“It will be done separately under the advice, guidance and monitoring of the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) which is the regulatory body for such instances,” pointed out Mr. Gupta. Prospective bidders for the work on three nalas to start with have been invited by the HMDA for short-listing of suitable firms and contracting companies.

[R2IChennai]

Originally Posted by bobbie501

Another San Francisco in the making....

isn't this too much

[rockystone]

Ecopark in Secunderabad to add green space


http://ibnlive.in.com/news/ecopark-i...19-60-121.html


The works on the proposed Eco-park near KIMS Hospital in Secunderabad are back on track, after being in limbo for more than one-and-a-half year.
The foundation stone for the Ecological Green Park was laid in July 2009 but works did not start due to various hurdles faced by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA).
The eco-park will now come up at a cost of around Rs 10 crore under the Hussainsagar Lake and Catchment Area Improvement Project with financial assistance from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation. After the Lotus Pond in Jubilee Hills, it will be the second eco-park in the city. "All hurdles have been cleared and works of desilting and dredging of sediments is going at brisk� pace for the last 10 days. Citizens will soon get a green area in the heart of the city to spend their leisure time," HMDA officials told Express. The eco-park will be home to different plant varieties including different species of bamboo and water-absorbent plants.
Walking and jogging tracks, special lighting and two areas for parking would be made where 70 cars and 520 two-wheelers can park. A 2.5-km peripheral walkway will also be laid and projection platforms constructed for providing visitors a scenic view of the artificial lake in the park.
Officials said of the total 42 acres land available for development, the eco-park will be set up in 36 acres, while a sewage treatment plant (STP) is under construction in the rest. The water area will be increased from the existing 21 acres to 24 acres and water-holding capacity go up from 1.20 lakh cubic metres to about 2.50 lakh cubic metres. The treated water will used for various purposes including water sports and gardening, according to officials.

[Gudavalli]

Heritage Week discounts citys 450 year-old lake

HYDERABAD: As the department of tourism celebrates the ‘Heritage Week’ with extravagant cultural programmes across the city, what seems to have gone unnoticed is that this very year turns out to be the 450th anniversary of the city’s most famous man-made water body, which continues to bear neglect. The Hussain Sagar lake in the city, which was named after Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali, who supervised the tank’s construction for the then ruler, Ibrahim Qul Qutub Shah in 1562, was a source of drinking water for centuries before turning into a stink tank.
With the authorities organising week-long traditional performances at city monuments, denizens and tourists wonder as to why no effort is being made to highlight the importance of the lake. Surendar Kumar, a tourist at NTR marg on Sunday, was seen complaining whether the� lake had any importance during the heritage week. “This week is being organised for the first time following the conferment of the ‘Best Heritage City’ award. But what about the stinking lake in the midst of the city which dates back to the formation of the city?” he questions.
On an evening outing with his family, Krishna Rao, a bank employee too questions the celebration. Of the opinion that “Hussain sagar lake is not only is a biggest man-made lake but the city’s biggest man-made disaster till date,” he points out, further questioning, “If we do not care about the pollution in the lake and the stink that it gives out, how does one expect the authorities to act?”
As far as the officials responsible for the lake’s maintenance – Buddha Purnima Project (the nodal organisation under HMDA) is concerned, the stink in the lake will continue till complete cleaning of the water body finishes in 2014. However, the water in the lake will never be consumable. “Even after completion of the project by diverting sewerage and building Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) to clean the water and free it from stink, the water would not be fit for consumption,” says an official with the Buddha Purnima Project when quizzed. Under this project, two 50 MLD STPs are to be installed.
“Once the remaining capacity and the second STP plant become operational, by early next year, stench from the waters will reduce and the visual appeal will improve with highest quality of water,” he adds.

[deepakhearthacker]

Measures to improve quality of city lakes

Hyderabad: City-based National Environment Engineering Research Institute (Neeri) has suggested that Osmansagar and Himayatsagar reservoirs be linked with the proposed Godavari drinking water supply project (Maulana Abul Kalam Hyderabad Srujala Sravanthi scheme) and the Pranahita-Chevella project for longterm benefits.In a report to the government,it also suggested 17 other measures to improve water quality of the two lakes.
The Neeri suggestions came in the 300-page final report submitted by its experts to the Water Board last week.They also made certain other suggestions in the report.The Neeri expert committee which had taken up a study on how to protect Osmansagar and Himayatsagar reservoirs from pollution submitted a draft report to the Water Board in February.
Based on the draft report,the HMWS&SB and the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI),Hyderabad,had conducted a workshop on Environmental Management Plan for Osmansagar and Himayatsagar Lakes in Hyderabad with various stakeholders on March 15.Based on the discussions with the stakeholders,the experts prepared the final report and listed out 17 measures to improve the lakes.
The report said an action plan for improvement of lakes (reservoirs) could be divided into three components shortterm,medium-term and long-term.Under the long-term plan,protection of lakes to create a sustained drinking water source for the city by linking it with the Pranahita-Chevella project to draw Godavari water and fill it up as storage tank can be considered, it said.
It also suggested constitution of a highlevel committee under the chairmanship of chief secretary with principal secretary,municipal administration and urban development (MA&UD) department and officials from various agencies like HMWS&SB,GHMC and HMDA as members and issuing a separate GO for prohibition of fishing,bathing,washing and tourism in the reservoirs.
Other suggestions include introduction of specific types of fish,which help in cleaning water,construction of garland canal to prevent pollution,strict implementation of GO 111 to preserve catchment areas of both the reservoirs,and construction of regional sewerage treatment plants in villages abutting the water bodies.These measures related to the reservoirs could be taken up as part of JNNURM Phase-II,it suggested.
Soon,a letter along with Neeri final report will be sent to the government to constitute a high-level panel to implement the measures suggested by experts, HMWS&SB managing director Adhar Sinha told STOI.

[Gudavalli]

Fishing, the bane of water bodies

Osmansagar, Himayatsagar are for drinking water supply and not for fishing or other activities

Two of the old water reservoirs of the city, Osmansagar and Himayatsagar, face threat to their very existence given a horde of factors that range from illegal layouts in the catchment area to clandestine fishing.

Of late, illegal commercial fish culture has come as a bane for the water bodies. At the crack of dawn, temporary fish stalls surface all along the stretch from Langar Houz to Kali Temple with the catch of the day and traders also fetch fresh prawns. Few others ferry their catch to various localities in Mehdipatnam on two wheelers.

Fishing has been around in these lakes for a while but it reached an alarming proportions now with a commercial aspect to it, concede officials. “Local villagers and leaders are involved in Illegal fishing that has been rampant. FIRs have been registered against those indulging in these activities,” says D. Sridhar Babu, General Manager (Engineering), Bhojaguda, Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB).

Overstocking of fish seed or frys by farmers involved in fish culture is rampant in order to buffer the loss of fish and prawns. With fish and prawn numbers in excess to the carrying capacity of the lake, dissolved oxygen in water decreases while biological oxygen demand increases. This leads to death and decay of oxygen-starved prawns and fish, which can change the physico-chemical parameters such as ph, micro and macro element content of water, making it unfit for drinking.

“Fishing can be hazardous if not practised under controlled conditions. These reservoirs were built for drinking water supply and not for fishing or other activities,” says C. Sreenivasulu, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, Osmania University.

Introduction of imported species from China too is cited as causing ecological imbalance by wiping out indigenous fish.

Early this year, trial fishing was conducted by AP Fisheries Department to assess the fish wealth in the two reservoirs after which tenders were floated for cleaning the reservoirs of fish and prawns. “Work is in progress. We have started removing prawn. The process will be completed in two months,” says Visweswaraiah, CGM (Transmission), HMWS&SB.

Adding to the turbidity of the water is the disposal of untreated sewage by neighbouring villages such as Khanapur, Maharajpet, Janwada and Vattinagulapally.

“There is no sewage treatment facility in the 26 surrounding villages.

Also, the conduit or channels that bring water from these reservoirs to the treatment plants have been subjected to encroachments,” says Mr.Babu adding that construction activity and manufacture of bricks is rampant in the catchment area obstructing inflows.

A recent report from NEERI recommends setting up of a high level committee for protection of the reservoirs.

The water from the two reservoirs at an aggregate of about 40 million gallons per day is critical for localities such as Charminar, Yakutpura, Azampura, Salarjung Colony, Red Hills, Domalguda, Mallepally, Vijaynagar Colony, Humayun Nagar and also Osmania General Hospital, Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Secretariat and MLA Quarters.

“There is no other source of water for these regions. Else, one has to divert the Krishna water or wait for Krishna Water Phase III, which will be expensive.

Osmansagar is the most economical source as the water is not pumped to a second or third stage.

Here the water flows through the steep gradient along conduits by gravity,” adds Mr Babu.

Built under the guidance of M. Visvesvaraya by Nawab Zain Yar Jung during the reign of Osman Ali Pasha, the reservoir has stood the test of time till now.

But now, only a concerted effort to check encroachments in the full tank area, plotting and illegal fishing is what can stop it from becoming another Hussainsagar.

[sriece19]

Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority chalks out plan to protect lakes

HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has formed a separate lake division for protection and development of lakes in its jurisdiction. Addressing officials at a review meeting on lakes here on Monday, HMDA metropolitan commissioner Neerabh Kumar Prasad said the new lakes division, which would be headed by the authority's member (environment), would coordinate with district collectors of Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), irrigation department, municipalities and gram panchayats in the peripheral areas.

The commissioner also announced an action plan for restoration of lakes in the HMDA limits. The lakes in the HMDA area were divided into three categories like Central Basin (Hussainsagar catchment area), lakes falling within the erstwhile Huda area and lakes in the extended areas of HMDA.

As per the action plan, all lakes in the Hussainsagar catchment area (Central Basin) would be listed out and a team consisting of HMDA engineers, officials of GHMC, irrigation and revenue departments from the districts concerned (as allotted by the district collectors) would visit these lakes and identify the requirements for restoration and protection of lakes and its full tank level (FTL). Later, field verification of the lakes would be taken up. Deputy executive engineers, HMDA (lakes and parks) division and staff from other departments like revenue, irrigation and GHMC would take up the works.

In the mean time, another team of HMDA Lakes & Parks division would start work on preparation of basin and sub-basin approach for remaining lakes in the erstwhile Huda area from out of 501 lakes as per the data available. These lakes would be categorised and field verification taken up.

With regard to protection of water bodies in the extended area of HMDA, the urban authority would coordinate with the revenue department and National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) for taking latest digital maps of lakes and compare it with previous records. Thereafter, lakes with a water spread area of 10 hectares and above and important smaller tanks would be listed out and measures taken up for their protection and restoration.

[sriece19]

HMDA to form separate lake division

For protection and development of water bodies, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has decided to form a separate lake division headed by the Member (Environment) and comprising senior engineering and other necessary staff.

At a review meeting on lakes held on Monday, the HMDA Commissioner Neerabh Kumar Prasad directed the officials to draw up a focussed action plan for protection and development of lakes in the Metropolitan Area, Hyderabad.

The proposed lake division would coordinate with enforcement departments such as District Collectors concerned, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Municipalities, Gram Panchayats and the Irrigation Department for the purpose.

The action plan has been divided into three parts – lakes falling in central basin i.e., Hussainsagar Catchment Area, lakes falling within the erstwhile HUDA area and lastly, the lakes in the extended area of HMDA.

Accordingly, all water bodies in Hussainsagar catchment area (Central Basin) would be listed in a computerised format and their memoirs updated.

A team of officials would visit these lakes and assess the requirement of intervention to be taken up for lake restoration and specifically to begin the protection of lakes and its FTL.

Another team in the division of Lakes and Parks would start work on preparation of basin and sub-basin approach for the remaining lakes in the erstwhile HUDA area from out of 501 lakes as per the data available. These lakes would be categorised and steps taken for field verification.

In the extended area of HMDA, in coordination with Revenue Department and National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA), the latest digital map of the lakes and a record of all tanks would be compiled.

[Gudavalli]

SOUL felicitates ‘water warriors’

‘Save Our Urban Lakes’ celebrates its second anniversary

Six persons who are fighting in their individual capacities for the protection of various lakes in and around the city were felicitated by the lake protection collective SOUL (Save Our Urban Lakes) on its second anniversary here on Saturday.

Those honoured on the occasion include Pittala Srisailam and Pittala Ashok from Bibinagar, K. Someshwar from Saroornagar, secretary of Citizens’ Society Q. Annie Hasan, activist B.V. Subba Rao, and M. Mallikarjun from Vikarabad.

Apart from saving a lake in Ghatkesar from extinction in the National Highway project, Pittala Srisailam and Pittala Ashok are now actively involved in working for the protection of Bibinagar Pedda Cheruvu, the citation read.

K. Someshwar, along with his team, has been fighting for the last four years, for the protection of Chanda Lake in Jillelaguda village in Saroornagar, from encroachments. Dr. Annie Hasan is making efforts to bring official attention to the encroachments on Banjara Lake, while Dr. Subba Rao has written various books to create awareness on water pollution, and helped to renew a few dying lakes. Mr. Mallikarjun is trying to protect seven lakes in his village in Vikarabad, by building pressure on officials to act against encroachers.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest and director, CSIR-NGRI, Mrinal K. Sen, said the number of lakes in the city has, over the years, dwindled from the original 532 to the present 160. Even among the remaining, majority of the lakes have reached the ‘Eutrophic’ stage which indicates severe attrition in water quality due to concentration of sewage and effluents.

Mr. Sen was also critical of the multiplicity of departments and policies with regards to lakes, which, he alleged, are resulting in absence of holistic approach. Independent agency for lakes dedicated for conservation could resolve the issue, he felt. Outgoing convener of SOUL, Y. Panasa Rama Krishna, read out the annual report and cited restoration of Bachukunta in Chandanagar, Neerla Cheruvu in Kothaguda and Barlakunta in Indira Nagar, Gachibowli with citizens’ initiatives. Support of local residents is paramount for doing such work, he noted.

[sriece19]

Water Board MD visits reservoirs to check monsoon readiness

HYDERABAD: A team of senior officials led by Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) managing director Adhar Sinha visited the catchment areas of Osmansagar and Himayathsagar reservoirs on Wednesday.

The inspection was conducted to assess the present condition of the catchment areas and the incoming feeder channels of Osmansagar and Himayathsagar lakes to identify any obstructions for free flow of the water into the twin lakes, said HMWS&SB Director-Projects, M Satyanarayana.

The officials also visited the Full Tank Level boundaries of Osmansagar at Khanapur, Janwada rain gauge station, two feeders channels, Chandippa and Prodduturu on river Musi, Venkatapuram feeder channel of Himayathsagar and Amdapur Bridge on the feeder channel of Himayathsagar.

[Ron7]

Saving Hyderabad's dying lakes

School students, college-goers, young professionals and environmental activists came together on Friday morning to clean up the contaminated Kapra lake in Secunderabad

The road to the Kapral Lake at Sainikpuri usually wears a deserted look. The surroundings, peppered by high rises is the perfect residential address — quiet, calm, clean and luxurious. Amidst this sea of tranquillity, the lake stands out as a sore thumb. And this is mainly because the water body has been constantly used and abused by the multitude. The surroundings of the serene lake are jarring, with garbage strewn around and the pungent smell of decaying waste. But on Friday morning, a group of environment conscious citizens descended upon the lake, to do their bit to save the water body and restore its former glory.

Spearheaded by The Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI), a wildlife conservation and habitat restoration group, the drive to clean up the Kapral Lake saw volunteers from six schools, a corporate giant, the Indian Army and GHMC participate with gusto. "We are cleaning up the Kapral Lake of physical garbage today because several other life forms depend on the lake for survival, including aquatic, birds and other terrestrial life forms," says Arun Krishnamurthy, founder, EFI.

What lies beneath?
The clean up drive which began at 8 am in the morning, saw volunteers fish out harmful waste from the bottom and surroundings of the lake. "We fished out huge amounts of Plaster of Paris deposits which are the result of the idol immersion from Ganesh Chaturthi," says Krishnamurthy, adding, "In the name of God, we have been dumping garbage in the lake and harming aquatic life." Putting a number to the amount of garbage collected, he says, "In an hour we have collected 2.3 tons. After this four hour drive, we expect to collect 4 tons of waste."

Hyderabad not the worst
The EFL, based in five cities, first began their lake restoration programme in Hyderabad in the year 2006. "We have identified around four lakes in and around the city that needs to be cleaned and restored to ensure a cleaner water body on it," says an EFL volunteer.
As part of their programme, the foundation has held clean-up drives in cities like Delhi, Chennai and Lucknow as well. "During our work, we have discovered that the maximum amount of toxic waste lies in water bodies in Delhi. Cleaning them is quite a task.

Hyderabad, on the other hand, is not so bad," says the volunteer. But that does not give us city folks the leverage to gloat at being 'most environment friendly'. For according to the EFL, the Miyapur Lake spewed out 12 tons of toxic waste in the year 2008 alone!

No marathon men
With the environment being on everyone's mind these days, the city's youngsters have joined forces to battle this issue. "School kids are the most enthusiastic. They give it their best. Corporate giants too have joined us," Arun adds.

But when it comes to 'doing your bit', the organisation prefers to see the results than just doing a token job in the name of environment — you've got to get your hands dirty. In fact, the volunteers for a city corporate house, planted 20 Neem saplings on the Lake bunds. Meanwhile, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation too has lent its full support by sending in a garbage disposable truck along with volunteers to help out in the initiative. They took the garbage collected from the lake to the dumping grounds.

The road ahead
While hours of labour and sweat have been put into cleaning up the lake, the primary concern could be the reversal of the results, what with citizens using the water body as dumping grounds once again. But a prevention module has been put in place by the foundation. "We are in the process of installing bird nests and feeders with the GHMC. A detailed study on the flora and fauna life around the lake will follow too. Our aim is to convert the lakes into biodiversity hotspots, housing all life forms. There are two more lakes to be restored by end of the year," says Arun.