HYDRAA chief inspects Durgam Cheruvu amid sewage pollution, foul smell complaints

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has taken serious note of the worsening foul smell and pollution at Durgam Cheruvu, following media reports and complaints from locals.

HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath on Tuesday conducted a detailed field inspection of the lake located in the Madhapur hill area.

During the visit, the Commissioner examined the extensive spread of water hyacinth across nearly half of the lake and reviewed the factors contributing to the stench and deterioration of water quality.

Sewage inflow despite STPs draws sharp criticism

The Commissioner expressed strong displeasure over untreated sewage being allowed to flow directly into the lake through stormwater drains, even though Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) are in place.

Irrigation officials informed him that excess sewage was being diverted into the drain as the STPs were operating beyond capacity. Rejecting this explanation, the Commissioner said surplus sewage should be diverted only into designated sewer channels and not released into the lake under any circumstances.

He questioned the contradiction of treated water being released into the lake from one end, while untreated sewage was simultaneously discharged from another.

‘Lake development is not cosmetic work’

Interacting with representatives of the Raheja Group, which is executing lake development works, the Commissioner underlined that lake rejuvenation is not limited to beautification. He sought details on steps taken by the agency to prevent sewage inflow and control the spread of water hyacinth.

He pointed out that the lack of coordination and accountability among multiple stakeholders, including GHMC, the Water Board, the Irrigation Department, Raheja Mindspace and Ramky, which operates the STPs, was a key reason for the lake’s current condition.

Instructions to ensure accountability and testing

The Commissioner expressed dissatisfaction over officials’ failure to ensure that all surrounding sewage is routed into STP lines. He directed that water samples from STPs be collected after treatment and sent to the Pollution Control Board for testing to ensure compliance with standards.

An inter-departmental coordination meeting was held

Following the site inspection, the Commissioner convened a coordination meeting at the HYDRAA office with all agencies responsible for lake protection.

Issues faced by the Water Board in carrying out pipeline diversion works to prevent sewage from entering stormwater drains were addressed.

He also spoke to the Cyberabad Police Commissioner to seek cooperation for traffic diversions during the execution of the works. Officials from the Irrigation, Electricity, GHMC and Water Board departments were instructed to immediately initiate measures to stop sewage inflow into the lake.