Durgam Cheruvu

Durgam Cheruvu
Coordinates	17°25′44″N 78°23′16″E / 17.42886°N 78.387794°E / 17.42886; 78.387794Coordinates: 17°25′44″N 78°23′16″E / 17.42886°N 78.387794°E / 17.42886; 78.387794
Lake type	reservoir
Managing agency	Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority
Surface area	83 acres (34 ha)[1]
Max. depth	28 feet (8.5 m)[2]
Water volume	1679430 Cu M
Settlements	Hyderabad, India

Durgam Cheruvu is a freshwater lake located in Rangareddy district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The lake, which is spread over 83 acres (34 ha), is located near the city of Hyderabad. The lake is also known as Secret Lake because it is hidden between the localities of Jubilee Hills and Madhapur.^[3]

History

During the rule of the Qutb Shahi dynasty (ca. 1518–1687), this lake served as the drinking water source for the residents of Golconda Fort. It was used for irrigation as well.^[4]

Tourism

In 2001, the tourism department of the local government initiated steps to promote the lake as a tourist destination. As a part of this, five boats were to be deployed at the lake.^[5]

In 2002, the lake started to become a destination for people who go for fishing as a pastime. Few citizens from the nearby city of Hyderabad travel to this lake on the weekends to relax and enjoy fishing.^[6] To capitalize on the visitors, the local agencies expanded their tourism plans by turning the lake into a fishing zone. As a part of the various beautification steps, the area surrounding the lake was illuminated, artificial waterfalls, a rock garden and a floating fountain were added. In addition to this, proper seating arrangements, a 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) walkway and restaurants were established. Adventure activities like rock climbing, trekking, rappelling, an art gallery and a sculptor park for artists were also introduced as attractions.^[7] An amphitheater, with a capacity to hold 1,500 people at a time, was also added for public access. The entire exercise was completed at a cost of 2 crore (US$405,600).^[8]

Controversies and pollution

Because of the unique rock formations abutting the lake, it was designated as a protected area. In 2001, the state high court issued an order to the local pollution board and the city's water supply and sewerage board not to allow development of new residential localities near the lake. Furthermore, the court order also asked these agencies to take immediate steps for prevention or collection and treatment of domestic sewage flowing into the lake from the residential colonies in the vicinity and catchment area of the lake. Despite these notifications, the local agencies have failed in controlling both pollution and illegitimate constructions on the lake bed.^[9]

To tackle pollution in the lake, sewage treatment plants were setup by the local pollution control board in 2006.^[10] As years passed by, the plant became non-functional.^[3]

References

1. ^ "Mission to reclaim Durgam Cheruvu". The Times of India. 19 February 2010. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Mission-to-reclaim-Durgam-Cheruvu/articleshow/5590523.cms. Retrieved 3 October 2010. 
2. ^ "Filth, flood make Durgam Cheruvu stink". The Hindu. 17 September 2006. http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/17/stories/2006091714270200.htm. Retrieved 3 October 2010. 
3. ^ ^{a b} S., Bachan Jeet Singh (6 April 2009). "Visiting Durgam Cheruvu? Better get a gas mask first". The Indian Express. http://expressbuzz.com/Cities/Hyderabad/visiting%20durgam%20cheruvu%20better%20get%20a%20gas%20mask%20first/55939.html. Retrieved 3 October 2010. 
4. ^ "The secret of Secret Lake out". The Times of India. 30 August 2005. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1213926.cms. Retrieved 3 October 2010. 
5. ^ Menon, Jayashankar (31 December 2001). "APTDC Introduces Additional Watersports Facilities". The Indian Express. http://www.expresstravelworld.com/20011231/travelindia4.shtml. Retrieved 3 October 2010. 
6. ^ Souvik, Chowdhury (9 April 2002). "Hook, line and sinker". The Hindu. http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2002/04/09/stories/2002040900380200.htm. Retrieved 3 October 2010. 
7. ^ "Durgam Cheruvu turns into anglers’ paradise". The Times of India. 16 March 2003. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/41387112.cms. Retrieved 3 October 2010. 
8. ^ M. L., Melly Maitreyi (11 December 2003). "New-look Durgam Cheruvu beckons tourists". The Hindu. http://www.hindu.com/2003/12/11/stories/2003121111350300.htm. Retrieved 3 October 2010. 
9. ^ K., Venkateshwarlu (28 November 2002). "Threat to Durgam Cheruvu". The Hindu. http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/11/28/stories/2002112809090300.htm. Retrieved 3 October 2010. 
10. ^ M. L., Melly Maitreyi (23 August 2006). "Sewage treatment plants: trial runs next month". The Hindu. http://www.hindu.com/2006/08/23/stories/2006082320400300.htm. Retrieved 3 October 2010.