Massive Fish Kill in Chelikunta Lake Triggers Outrage in Tellapur

Hyderabad: A large number of fish was found dead on Chelikunta Lake in Tellapur here, reportedly due to the alarming contamination in the water body. The fish deaths, as per the local residents, was due to untreated sewage discharge into the lake, raising stink, discolouration of water and poor water quality. Sources said the warm temperatures could have contributed to the fish kill.

The Tellapur Neighbourhood Association (TENA) pointed out that the inflow of sewage from multiple sources, including nearby labour camps and construction companies, is leading to the severe contamination of the lake. Despite the repeated complaints from residents and citizens concerned, there is no action from the concerned officials, they said.

The residents on Friday submitted a complaint to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Pollution Control Board and Sangareddy district collector, highlighting the alarming pollution levels in the lake.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, association president Ramana Eshwaragari said the lake ecosystem has been badly damaged. The lake surrounding stinks and there is a severe mosquito menace in Tellapur and Osmansagar, he said, adding that sewage is entering two other nearby lakes Mella Cheruvu and Vanam Cheruvu.

TENA has been demanding laying of pipelines and sewage treatment plants (STPs) to protect water resources and prevent groundwater pollution. The residents and citizens have now formed a ‘Green Army’ and are carrying out cleaning activities, including deep cleaning and removing plastic waste from the lakes.

Eshwaragari said if immediate corrective measures are not initiated, the situation will further deteriorate, leading to irreversible environmental damage, spread of waterborne diseases, and legal liability for authorities concerned under environmental protection laws.

The TENA demanded immediate closure of all illegal sewage discharge points and deployment of measures to prevent further inflow of untreated wastewater.