History of Gangaram Lake

Gangaram Pedda Cheruvu (big lake) is located at Chandanagar in Serilingampally mandal in Hyderabad. It has a significant importance from Nizam’s era and is one of the largest lake in Hyderabad.

Gangaram Pedda Cheruvu was a source of irrigation for agricultural lands and also a source of drinking water for residential colonies around the lake. With abundant fish, the lake was also a livelihood for several fishermen.

The lake was (and occasionally now) a host to many indigenous and migrant birds making it a scenic beauty with a healthy ecosystem.

Rapid urbanization has resulted in an increase in the number of residential colonies and commercial activities around the lake. This led to releasing of drains and sewage water from the surrounding colonies to the lake, dumping of plastic and other waste, and Encroachment by land sharks.

Current Condition of Gangaram Lake

The lake is now a breeding ground for mosquitoes and with infestation of diseases like dengue it is posing a major threat to more than 30,000 people surrounding the lake.

Awful water quality, with the current state of water being muddy with a stench smell, has encouraged the growth of dangerous bacteria.

Intense growth of hyacinth due the high nutrient levels of sewage. The water has already turned acidic and the lake is now releasing harmful chemicals like methane.

Vanishing aquatic and terrestrial animals. Ever decreasing aquatic life has brought the fishing activity to a standstill thus affecting the livelihood of fishermen.

Accumulation of garbage and other waste material near the storm water inlets and outlets is resulting in inundation of nearby areas leading to various diseases and even death.