The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has turned its attention to the growing problem of foul smell emanating from Durgam Cheruvu located in the Madhapur hills. The agency is taking serious note of the direct inflow of sewage into the lake, which has caused significant environmental concerns in the area.
Following media reports about the spread of water hyacinth in Durgam Cheruvu and the resulting stench, along with complaints from local residents, HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath conducted a field-level inspection of the lake on Tuesday. The Commissioner personally visited the site to assess the situation and understand the root causes of the pollution.
During the inspection, the Commissioner enquired into the reasons behind the water hyacinth spreading across nearly half of the lake. The rapid growth of water hyacinth has become a major concern as it indicates poor water quality and contributes to the foul odor affecting nearby residential areas.
Commissioner Ranganath expressed strong displeasure over the fact that even though Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) exist in the area, raw sewage is entering Durgam Cheruvu directly through the stormwater drain. This direct discharge of untreated sewage has been identified as the primary cause of the lake’s deteriorating condition.
When Irrigation engineers explained that they had to divert sewage through the stormwater drain because the quantity of sewage reaching the STPs had become excessive, the Commissioner stated that this was not acceptable. He questioned how they could allow sewage to enter the lake directly when the proper solution would be to divert excess sewage to the sewer line instead of the lake.
The Commissioner strongly objected to the contradictory situation where on one side treated sewage from STPs is being released into the lake, while on the other side raw sewage is being discharged directly. This dual discharge system is causing significant harm to the lake’s ecosystem and creating health hazards for residents living in the vicinity.
HYDRAA is now coordinating with relevant departments to resolve the problem through proper sewage management. The agency is working to ensure that all sewage is properly treated before any discharge into the lake, and that the capacity issues of existing STPs are addressed through appropriate infrastructure upgrades or alternative sewage diversion methods.
