Hyderabad: Osmansagar lake, the drinking water lifeline for the city of Hyderabad for a 100 years, will celebrate its centenary this year. The Deccan Heritage Trust has planned a series of events during the second week of December, mostly focusing on educating the people on the importance of preserving lakes and water conservation to mark the occasion.
According to Md Safiullah of the trust, heritage buffs plan to organise a photo exhibition relating to the construction of the lake, its dam and organise small celebrations at the lake. Our goal is to create interest among people and enlighten them on the importance of protecting the city’s lakes, and rainwater harvesting.
“We have all seen this October what happens when lakes are destroyed and encroached upon,” he said referring to the widespread flooding in Hyderabad last month.
An interesting aspect about Osmansagar is that in its 100 years of existence, it did not require any major repairs or a facelift. Not a single stone from the dam has been dislodged or fallen out, he said.
Work on Osmansagar’s construction began in 1913 and was completed in 1920. It was following the catastrophic 1908 floods of the Musi river which saw 15,000 people die in the city even as the Musi, that saw its water level rise by 30 feet and more, also destroyed some 35,000 to 40,000 homes. As soon as work on Osmansagar was completed, the last Nizam of Hyderabad began work on Himayatsagar which was completed in 1927.
“Anniversaries are a good opportunity to rekindle interest in places and in people. We hope we can encourage people of Hyderabad to care more about water harvesting and protecting our lakes and prevent disasters like the latest flooding in the city,” Safiullah said.
