Hyderabad: Bon Cheruvu, also known as Hasmathpet Lake, is located in Old Bowenpally. It used to be the largest water body for controlling floods in the Medchal-Malkajgiri district. However, due to illegal constructions, the lake is now facing many problems, especially during the monsoon season.
According to data from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), Bon Cheruvu, which is a man-made lake, originally covered almost 68 acres. Since the year 2000, the lake has deteriorated significantly. Over the years, there have been many encroachments on the lake’s Full Tank Level (FTL) and its buffer zone. These illegal activities have caused the lake to shrink to just 22.9 acres. Additionally, a nearby ancient burial site is also being damaged because of the ongoing illegal construction.
Sources say that some local and influential leaders have been distributing government land around the lake, particularly in survey numbers 1, 15, and 17. These areas fall within the lake’s buffer zone but have now been turned into residential apartments. There is also a school and a temple built within the lake’s FTL, which is a serious concern.
Recently, notices were issued to those who encroached on the lake, but they were ignored. Despite many appeals from the locals and petitions to the authorities, no significant action has been taken. Two years ago, the HMDA and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) tried to take some measures. They strengthened the bund, installed fencing, and worked on beautification projects. However, these efforts were minimal and did not solve the bigger problem. Now, the lake is once again under threat from encroachments and is becoming overgrown with weeds.
The 2020 floods serve as a reminder of how crucial the lake is for the area. The lake used to store water from the upstream Alwal region, but rampant encroachments have greatly reduced its capacity. During the 2020 floods, this led to severe water stagnation. As a result, many locals lost their livelihoods as small shops were washed away.
