Durgam Cheruvu

Durgam Cheruvu also known as Raidurgam Cheruvu is a freshwater lake located in Rangareddy district, Telangana, India. The lake, which is spread over 83 acres (34 ha), is located near the city of Hyderabad. The lake is also known as Secret Lake because it is hidden between the localities of Jubilee Hills and Madhapur.[3] The Durgam Cheruvu Bridge which traverses the lake is inaugurated in September 2020.[4]

Durgam Cheruvu
Durgam Cheruvu
Coordinates17.42886°N 78.387794°E / 17.42886; 78.387794
Typereservoir
Managing agencyHyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority
Surface area83 acres (34 ha)[1]
Max. depth28 feet (8.5 m)[2]
Water volume1,679,430 cubic metres (1,361.54 acre⋅ft)
SettlementsHyderabad, India

History

Under the rule of the Qutub Shahi dynasty (ca. 1518–1687), this lake served as the drinking water source for the residents of Golkonda fort

Tourism

In 2001, the tourism department of the local government initiated steps to promote the lake as a tourist destination. As a part of this, five boats were to be deployed at the lake.[5]

In 2002, the lake started to become a destination for people who go for fishing as a pastime. Few citizens from the nearby city of Hyderabad travel to this lake on the weekends to relax and enjoy fishing.[6] To capitalise on the visitors, the local agencies expanded their tourism plans by turning the lake into a fishing zone. As a part of the various beautification steps, the area surrounding the lake was illuminated, artificial waterfalls, a rock garden and a floating fountain were added. In addition to this, proper seating arrangements, a 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) walkway and restaurants were established. Adventure activities like rock climbing, trekking, rappelling, an art gallery and a sculptor park for artists were also introduced as attractions.[7] An amphitheater, with a capacity to hold 1,500 people at a time, was also added for public access. The entire exercise was completed at a cost of ₹20 million (US$280,000).[8]

2018 - The lake bund has been upgraded with walkways as part of CSR activity by K Raheja group.[9]

Controversies and pollution

Because of the unique rock formations abutting the lake, it was designated as a protected area. In 2001, the state high court issued an order to the local pollution board and the city's water supply and sewerage board not to allow development of new residential localities near the lake. Furthermore, the court order also asked these agencies to take immediate steps for prevention or collection and treatment of domestic sewage flowing into the lake from the residential colonies in the vicinity and catchment area of the lake. Despite these notifications, the local agencies have failed in controlling both pollution and illegitimate constructions on the lake bed.[10]

To tackle pollution in the lake, sewage treatment plants were set up by the local pollution control board in 2006.[11] As years passed by, the plant became non-functional.[3]

Durgam Cheruvu in 2013 is now a place to relax. There is an amphitheatre, and the On the Rocks cafeteria. Boating is also available.[12] Harichandana Dasari IAS of GHMC had transformed the lake front into an amazing park.[13] A cable bridge with dancing fountain will adorn the lake.

  • Early morning at Durgum Cheruvu
  • Masjid at Raya Durgam Cheruvu Bund
  • Raya Durgam Cheruvu Lake front
  • Durgam Cheruvu bridge under construction
  • Durgam Cheruvu bridge illuminated at night

References
  1. "Mission to reclaim Durgam Cheruvu". The Times of India. 19 February 2010. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
  2. "Filth, flood make Durgam Cheruvu stink". The Hindu. 17 September 2006. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
  3. S., Bachan Jeet Singh (6 April 2009). "Visiting Durgam Cheruvu? Better get a gas mask first". The Indian Express. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
  4. "Durgam Cheruvu bridge inaugurated". The Hindu. Special Correspondent. 25 September 2020. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 22 January 2021.CS1 maint: others (link)
  5. Menon, Jayashankar (31 December 2001). "APTDC Introduces Additional Watersports Facilities". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 10 July 2011. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
  6. Souvik, Chowdhury (9 April 2002). "Hook, line and sinker". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 February 2010. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
  7. "Durgam Cheruvu turns into anglers' paradise". The Times of India. 16 March 2003. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
  8. M. L., Melly Maitreyi (11 December 2003). "New-look Durgam Cheruvu beckons tourists". The Hindu. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
  9. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 30 May 2018. Retrieved 9 June 2018.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  10. K., Venkateshwarlu (28 November 2002). "Threat to Durgam Cheruvu". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 23 January 2005. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
  11. M. L., Melly Maitreyi (23 August 2006). "Sewage treatment plants: trial runs next month". The Hindu. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
  12. "Durgam chervu". Aptdc.gov.in. Archived from the original on 10 December 2013. Retrieved 19 December 2013.
  13. Ghanate, Naveena (1 August 2018). "Durgam Cheruvu now a delight for walkers while Lakefront view awaits to August 15". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 8 May 2019.
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