HMWSSB and Cyberabad Municipal Corporation identified four major sewage inflow points into Durgam Cheruvu and are preparing measures to stop sewage entering the lake. Officials said the existing sewage treatment plant is already operating at full capacity.
A viral video showing Durgam Cheruvu covered with trash sparked concern online. CMC said the circulated visuals do not represent the lake’s complete current condition, and released geo-tagged footage recorded on September 5 showing the present ground situation.
Hundreds of fish were reported dead, with pollution and very low dissolved oxygen identified as major concerns.The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) and Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) recently conducted a joint inspection of Durgam Cheruvu to examine the routes through which sewage is reaching the lake. Officials identified four major inflow points that require immediate attention.The identified routes include the Madhapur Interception and Diversion (I&D) nala, Silent Valley I&D nala, Vitthal Rao Nagar Box Nala and an inflow route from the TGIIC layout. Officials examined the sewage flow at these locations and discussed measures to prevent untreated sewage from reaching the lake.
The latest move signals a shift from short-term clean-up measures towards long-term sewage management. Officials are expected to coordinate across departments to ensure that sewage is intercepted, treated and diverted before it reaches the lake.The success of the plan will depend on how effectively the identified sewage routes are controlled, how treatment capacity is expanded when required and how consistently water quality is monitored.For Hyderabad residents and environmental groups, the key expectation is clear: Durgam Cheruvu needs a permanent solution that prevents sewage pollution rather than repeatedly treating its consequences.Authorities have directed concerned departments to coordinate and speed up the necessary measures, with the broader goal of protecting the lake’s environment, ecological balance and recreational importance.
Durgam Cheruvu is an important urban water body located amid the rapidly developing areas of Hyderabad, including Madhapur, Jubilee Hills and Raidurg. The lake is also associated with the city’s recreational and tourism activities.Environmental concerns surrounding the lake have raised questions about maintaining its ecological balance while Hyderabad continues to experience rapid urban development.
Authorities have decided to conduct a detailed study of the topography and hydrology of the areas surrounding Durgam Cheruvu. The findings will be used to formulate a permanent action plan aimed at preventing sewage from entering the lake.The proposed approach is expected to involve sewage diversion, treatment and other technical measures at the identified inflow points. The objective is to reduce pollution at the source rather than relying only on periodic cleaning after sewage reaches the lake.
