Lakes of the city 45 Mysamma Kunta

Mysamma Kunta is located in Yadaram village in Medchal. According the HMDA’s Lake Protection Committee, the lake’s water spread area is about 15 acres, full tank level is 56 acres and bund length is 617 meters. The lake is 40 km away from Secunderabad Railway Station and 55 km away from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. Neighbourhood villages include Muraripally, Rajabollarum, Lambadi Tanda, Ravalkole, Dasarpally and Turkapally.

History

According to locals Mysamma Kunta derived its name from a small Mysamma temple located near the bund. The lake was the lifeline for drinking water and agricultural activities of the villagers since the Nizam’s era. The village and its surroundings were said to be ruled by the ancestors of Venkat Rama Rao. However their structures lie in a dilapidation condition.

Problems

Dr Lubna Sarwath, convener of Save Our Urban Lakes (SOUL), said that though the kunta was identified Lake Protection Committee, basic works such as restoration and revival of the lake have not been taken up till date. She appealed to the concerned authorities to initiate works as per action plan envisaged by the government.“There is a need to erect a fencing to the kunta and plants trees like in the case of Pedda Cheruvu in Rajabollarum village. A sign board needs to be erected by the HMDA authorities to highlight the green and water shed area. It should also be included in the purview of Mission Kakatiya to revive the dying lake.

Suguna, who is the sarpanch of the village, said that the lake needs to be fenced and cleaned to preserve rainwater for the benefit of the villagers. Locals say there is tomb in middle of a paddy crop field adjoining the lake bed which is said to exist before the country got its independence. They want the authorities to check for encroachments in the graveyard.

By Ch Saibaba