Fishing zone to come up at Siddhartha pond

 

The Buddha Purnima Project (BPP) wing of the HMDA has planned a fishing zone in the lake after it found that the fish density had increased there. The pond is located adjacent to the 20 MLD sewerage treatment plant and treated water directly flows into the pond, which has facilitated aquatic life.

 

In August, a video shot at the pond had revealed that the fish density had drastically increased; recently a man caught an 8-kg catfish at the pond. The quality of Hussainsagar water has  improved in terms of oxygen content, which is sustaining aquatic life and is also attracting birds. It is generally considered that Hussainsagar and ponds around it are dead water bodies, an official said.

However, he added that the density of vertebrates and invertebrates has seen an increase since the diversion of nalas and zero discharge of polluted water, though the corporation has not done a quantification on the aquatic life.

 

“A bay for fishing rods and artificial (fish) food will be set up,” said a BPP official. Apart from this zone, at the Lake View Park opposite IMAX, a cell will be set up to accommodate ornamental fish. The HMDA has zeroed in on Koi fish. The corporation has yet not decided on the entry fee.

 

A 2-km cycling track around Siddhartha pond and Lake View Pond is being taken up for construction with a budget of Rs 2 core under the Hussainsagar Lake and Catchment Area Improvement project funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency. An elevated bridge, 15 feet high, has also been proposed along the cycling track.

 

 

 

Birds like purple swamphen, spot bill, common coot, black winged stilt, Indian grey hornbill, little grebe etc. have been spotted around the lake. Three pairs of white geese were released in Siddhartha pond by the corporation. The HMDA, with the help of its JICA city NJS consultant, is also creating Islands.