Jalpally lurks case: Cops take preventive steps, counsel nearby residents

Hyderabad: With Pedda Cheruvu in Jalpally grabbing the spotlight due to three tragic deaths, police and revenue authorities have taken up preventive measures to ensure that there are no further incidents.

They have started counselling youth in surrounding areas and increased patrolling around the lake.

Their main concern now are people from distant areas like Shamshabad and Katedan, who may not be aware of the danger that lurks in the lake's waters.

The Pahadishareef police, under whose jurisdiction the lake falls, caught 23 persons swimming and fishing in the lake on Thursday. They were explained the threats involved, a move that comes after a boy from Karwan drowned in the lake last Tuesday.

“After that incident, apart from counselling people who come to the lake, we have intensified patrolling around the lake. We warn people not to venture into the lake due to its dangerous past,” Pahadisha-reef Inspector P. Lakshmikanth Reddy said.

Revenue officials said they have set up signboards and warnings in conjunction with the police. They attribute the increase in drowning incidents this year to the heavy rain at the end of 2016.

In 2016, the lake was comparatively dry, but the showers at the end of the year filled the lake to almost full capacity. This attracted more swimming enthusiasts from surrounding areas. “Residents of Jalpally and neighbouring catchments are aware of the threat the lake poses. The problem is with people who come from distant areas and do not understand the situation,” said Jalpally Muoner Md Saber Ahmed said.

Sources said after Mission Kakatiya works in 2016, the bund was cleaned and levelled - another reason more people are flocking to the lake.