Once a pristine water body, today it has turned into a cesspool

EKALAVYA MALLEPALLI | Hyderabad 

Close to 200 residents from nearby areas, including Allwyn Colony, Bhavyas Tulasi Vanam, Navodaya Colony, Vijayanagar Colony, Subhodaya Colony, HMT Sathavahana Nagar, and Jaynagar, marched from Ellamma Gudi to Ellamma Cheruvu on Wednesday with placards to draw the attention of the authorities on the sad state of Ellama Cheruvu.

"The smell emanating from the lake is unbearable, and the mosquito menace is out of control," said Ganesh, a resident.  He added, "Children, are falling ill and diseases such as dengue and malaria are common. The drainage being diverted into the lake is causing damage to our environment and health."The residents marched with placards- “Save from mosquitoes, Save from smell, Save from Traffic Jams,”

Ellamma Cheruvu, once a vital freshwater source for the city, now serves as a dumping ground for sewage from over 15 colonies, including Pragathi Nagar. The unchecked inflow of untreated waste has resulted in severe air and water pollution. Residents, especially children, frequently fall ill due to respiratory diseases and other health conditions caused by the foul air and contaminated water.

Despite repeated complaints to local authorities and public representatives, no significant action has been taken. The civic officials initiated plans to divert sewage water away from the lake into a main drainage channel, political interference and contractor delays have brought the work to a standstill. Contractors, citing unpaid dues, have abandoned the project, leaving the locals to bear the brunt of the pollution.

A history of broken promises

In December, 2023, the local MLA ceremoniously launched a project to clean the lake and promised to complete it within a year. The plan also included the creation of a walking track along the lake, aiming to restore its former glory. However, not only has the walking track failed to materialize, but even the basic sewage diversion work remains incomplete. Despite numerous groundbreaking ceremonies and assurances, progress has been elusive, leaving residents disillusioned.

The proliferation of water hyacinth, an invasive weed, has further exacerbated the lake’s condition. While authorities occasionally remove these weeds, the efforts are sporadic and insufficient. After a recent operation cleared large patches of hyacinth, the removal work was abruptly halted, leaving the task incomplete.

The unchecked growth of weeds has created a fertile breeding ground for mosquitoes, intensifying the public health crisis. The frustration among locals is palpable as they voice their concerns about the lack of accountability and coordination among officials and contractors.