19.2 cr to complete facelift of Gangaram Lake

Under the flagship of Mission Kakatiya, Gangaram Lake in Chandanagar is set to get a complete facelift at an estimated cost of ?19.2 crore. The cleanup of Gangaram Lake in Chandanagar was priorly taken up by residents through crowd funding, and locals did clean up the water hyacinth, but the hardy plants grew back.

A walking track, a cycling track, man-made islands and other designated spots with various species of trees for birds, sewage diversion system, an open gym, lighting for track & pathways, CC TV cameras, seating benches are among the new amenities planned as part of the restoration, which is expected to begin Mid July 2018. A meeting was also held near the lake to discuss the lake restoration work.

Chavella MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy stressed the importance of preservation of water bodies and the environment, besides keeping the surroundings clean and green, urging citizens and government officials to protect the natural ecosystem. “Restoration of lakes and water bodies should be on the priority list of any government as they result in improved ecosystem in a city,” Krishna Kaza an environmentalist form the city. 

Twenty lakes in total are set for upgrades by Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and 20 from Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) are getting a face lift, a total cost of ? 441 crore in total. Gangaram Lake is among the twenty lakes GHMC will work on.

As of today, pollution at these lake poses a risk to public health, where urbanisation has degraded the water quality. A major problem in the lakes is sewage water discharge and the growth of water hyacinth.

GHMC officials confirmed that lake protection committees comprising active residents will be formed at all 40 lakes.

“Diversion of sewage lines, debilitation and development of greenery are priorities given in the detailed project report pertaining to these lakes,” said Bharathi Hollikeri GHMC zonal commissioner Khairathabad zone.