Date:17/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/17/stories/2008101758980300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Hussainsagar set to regain its lost glory

Special Correspondent

YSR to launch improvement project

Japan Bank for Cooperation funding the project
Quality of lake water to be improved

Hyderabad: Better days are in for the Hussainsagar lake with Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy launching the Hussainsagar Lake and Catchment Area Improvement Project on Friday. The Rs. 370-crore project funded by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation under ODA loan assistance aims at restoring the lake to its past glory in all respects – ecological, economical and cultural through appropriate technological interventions.

Through setting up of new treatment plants, upgradation of existing STP and diversion of excess sewage it is proposed to improve the quality of the lake water.

Agencies involved

The project will have positive impact on the lake environment as the pollution load going to the lake will be considerably reduced.

The sanitary conditions in and around the lake and its catchment area are expected to improve. Various agencies such as HMDA, GHMC, HMWSSB and BPPA are involved in implementation of the integrated project.

It is proposed to set up 30 mld treatment plant with BNR process at Picket Nalla while upgrading the existing STP to tertiary level.

The other activities proposed include dredging of non-hazardous lake sediment at nala mouth, development of decentralised idol immersion ponds, withdrawal of hypo-limonitic layer, laying of ring sewer along the lake, development of eco tourism activity.

Built in 1562 A.D

The Hussainsagar lake was built in 1562 AD during the reign of Quli Qutb Shah by Shah Hussain Wali, an engineer and sufi saint, at a cost of Rs. 254366, 12 anas and three paise. It was intended to meet the irrigation needs of the Old Hyderabad and later it was converted into a drinking water source. Gradually it turned into a receptacle of sewage and industrial effluents.