Hyderabad, November 12: Rising pollution in the Hussain Sagar Lake is threatening the environmental in Hyderabad, Deccan.
Hussain Sagar Lake is the city’s main water body and a major tourist attraction. People are expressing serious concern over the worsening condition of the lake, which has become a health hazard for the people living in close proximity to the lake.
The immersion of idols made of toxic materials and usage of the lake by the nearby slums, the inter-connection of the sewage line and dumping of industrial and domestic wastes, are some of the reasons that are causing the lake to get polluted.
Those who pass by complain of the foul smell that comes from the lake and feel that the government should take steps to clean up the lake.
“It is very difficult to sit here for even five minutes, as the foul smell coming from the contaminated lake is very strong. This is a park where a common man comes for walking and jogging, but if there is no fresh oxygen then what is the use? The government should take action to clean the lake,” said Sunil a resident.
The environmentalists are also concerned over the health hazards caused by the pollution. They say appropriate methodology has to be opted for preventing the water contamination in the lake.
“The water from drains should be treated properly before it reaches the lake. Further, solid wastes should be taken care of and only clean and purified water should be injected into the lake. A treatment plant should be introduced to make the lake pollution free,” said Ved Kumar, an environmentalist.
He added that due to the pollution, the ground water will also get contaminated and the aquatic life will be severely affected.
Hussain sagar Lake is an artificial lake made in 1562 by the erstwhile Hyderabad Nizam for irrigation and drinking water purposes.
-Agencies