Hyderabad: The Jalagam Vengal Rao park, located in the heart of the city, which attracts hundreds of visitors, has now become a cesspool. Sewer water from the Devarakonda slum flows into the lake inside the park. Several attempts to stop the sewage from flowing into the lake have failed. The lake emanates a foul smell and has become a mosquito breeding ground. Walkers can be seen strolling with their noses covered with cloth. In fact, doctors have advised walkers to avoid the Jalagam Vengal Rao park.
TD media committee chairman L.V.S.R. Prasad, a regular walker, said, “In 2003, the park was inaugurated and it was allotted Rs 1 crore as funds towards beautification and maintenance. Retired judges, IPS officers and even doctors are regular walkers here. However, due to the foul smell, several elderly people have been advised to avoid the park. The lake water has turned green and the plastic and solid waste floats on the surface.”
“Several letters were written to the authorities. The problem become intense during the rains,” added Mohan Rao, another park walker. Meanwhile N. Chandra Mohan Reddy, additional commissioner Urban Biodiversity (GHMC), said, “It is a civil engineering problem. The issue lies with the water pipeline that passes through the Road No. 1 Banjara Hills. Using pumps, the drainage water is being diverted. However, whenever the city gets heavy showers the sewer water overflows and enters the lake. For the works to be carried out, commercial building must be demolished and the entire road will be blocked for a month. The commissioner has asked the engineering wing to prepare an action plan.”
