Lake in Indira Park might facilitate Ganesh immersion
GHMC authorities have reportedly received quotations from some firms to install powerful submersible water pumps of 125 hp, which can easily drain the present capacity of lake of 0.778 TMC. (Photo: DC/File)
Hyderabad: The Telangana government is going ahead with cleaning Hussainsagar Lake. Sources in government said Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao was keen to complete the cleaning process this summer itself. He also wants to construct a new lake near Indira Park exclusively for immersion of Ganesh, Durga and other idols to avoid further pollution of the lake. GHMC officials opened a sluice to drain some water into the nala on Monday, but this led to objections from Rajakasas near Dhobi Ghat, it is learnt.
“The government is going ahead with the proposed cleaning of the Hussainsagar Lake. It has already earmarked Rs 68 crore for diversion of the Kukatpally nala, which is polluting the lake. We got several proposals from various companies for draining the water, dredging and cleaning operation without draining the water etc. We will choose the best option,” a senior official of the CMO said.
Asked about the CM’s proposal to create a new lake near Indira Park exclusively for immersion of idols, he said the plan was still in its formative stage. “Yes, the CM did think about it. It is still in the process. We will take a decision soon,” he added.
GHMC authorities have reportedly received quotations from some firms to install powerful submersible water pumps of 125 hp, which can easily drain the present capacity of lake of 0.778 TMC.
The pumps would be placed near the Ambedkar statue at the edge of Tank Bund to drain out water into the outgoing nala, near Bathukamma Ghat and other places.
Official sources said that the powerful pumps could easily pump out the entire Hussainsagar Lake in a month provided there were no rains. “The operation of draining water has to be done in summer. Once the rains arrive, it will be difficult,” another official said.
Meanwhile, BJP objected to the creation of a new lake near Indira Park for immersion of idols. It, however, does not have an objection to cleaning the Hussain Sagar.
“We are opposed to creation of a new lake near Indira Park which is the lung space for people of the area. Besides, it’s difficult to immerse Ganesh idols at a congested place and it will create lots of problems. The government should shelve the idea,” BJP floor leader Dr K. Laxman said.
Dr Laxman, Khairatabad BJP MLA Mr Chintala Ramachandra Reddy and other BJP activists undertook a padayatra to protest against the government’s move.
“Hussainsagar has been the venue of Ganesh idol immersion for over two decades now. In the past too governments tried to stop it, but had dropped the idea following protests. There will be protests if immersion of idols is stopped,” said Mr Ramachandra Reddy.
When told that immersion of idols in a cleaned lake would again pollute it, he suggested that a part of the lake near Sanjeevaiah Park or any other place could be earmarked for immersion.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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