The lake that remains stinky for decades

Safilguda: Safilguda lake park popularly known as 'Mini Tank Bund' falls under the Malkajgiri GHMC circle. It is spread over 17 acres. The lake was restored by HUDA (Hyderabad Urban Development Authority) and inaugurated in 2000. Later, it fell under the purview of HMDA (Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority) 2001.

The lake is a gift to locals who use it for strolling amid serene ambience. Senior citizens, ABC Laughing Club and locals say the place is a perfect locale for meditation, physical exercises. People also visit the area along with their families. It may be noted that the boundary road and temple (Maisamma Temple) are similar to those of the Hussain Sagar Tank Bund and due to the close resemblance, the area came to be referred to as 'Mini Tank Bund.'

Residents around it take pride in the huge lung space that sprung up as a natural gift to neighbourhood. Boating and canteen facilities which drew crowds from area existed there 11 years ago. Officials even had plans to build an artificial island at the centre of the lake to promote tourism. Pigeons, ducks, Kingfishers, Bulbuls, Doves, Storks, Sparrows, Common Coot, Little Grebe, Teals etc., used to visit the place. Since the the lake is completely contaminated, they stopped arriving and those which come are unable to find food.

Today, the lake is a picture of neglect and in a sorry state, dotted as it is with stinking garbage heaps. It is the biggest breeding ground for mosquitoes, too. Sewage and drain water from RK Puram has turned it into a cesspool. Effluents from neighbouring colonies (Sri Krishna Nagar Colony, Balram Nagar, Sitharam Nagar Colony and Old Neredmet) and find their way into the lake.

The lake was formed naturally and the native name was 'Nadimi Cheruvu.' Later the name changed into Safilguda lake. This lake was formerly used by the Nawabs and later by British Military authorities to quench their thirst. It was also a source of irrigation to farmers. Rapid urbanisation took toll on the scenic beauty and gradually dwellings came to crop up around the lake and on the full tank level of the lake. The urbanisation and development and consequent ill-effect on the lake has been pronounced since 1975.

HUDA officials say they have been trying to restore the past glory to the lake, but are unable to find anybody willing to take up works. There are no safety measures for the walking track at the north gate. The colony people throw wastage material and pooja items at the northside gate. I daily walk in this park. For the past one year, garbage has been as it was. The GHMC workers clean the area once a year at the time of Ganesh Chaturthi festival only. Garbage keeps accumulating and release a bad odour, complained Joshna, a morning walker and local resident.

In 2001, HMDA established an STP (Sewage Treatment Plant). Three years ago, it was handed over to HMWSSB. It is said about 5 MLDs millions litres of water come into the lake a day, but the capacity of STP is 0.6MLD, that too if it is run 24 hours, which is not the case now. As there is no space to set up another STP, the government is contemplating to set up STP elsewhere and channel the treated water into the lake.

"As authorities keep dithering on lake development, it is only affecting the health of people who come here daily for pure air," said Misra, a local resident. It is at places like this that there is greater need for Swachh Bharat-type cleanliness campaigns. What is the use of conducting the programme in less or least polluted areas, lambasted another resident, Murali, an ex-serviceman.