Turtles die in polluted stepwell at Public Gardens
HYDERABAD: The historic stepwell at Public Gardens near the Telangana Legislative Council entrance has turned severely polluted, leading to the death of several turtles. Walkers, visitors and environmental groups expressed concern after spotting dozens of dead turtles in recent days.
Residents said the stepwell once held clean water but is now receiving sewage from a drain carrying wastewater from Lakdikapul. According to long-time park users, contaminated water entering the stepwell has caused repeated ecological damage. Last year, about 70 fish and 22 turtles reportedly died in the adjoining Public Gardens pond.
Visitors said the continuing deaths show that the horticulture department has failed to take basic conservation measures. Several criticised officials for ignoring the condition of the stepwell located next to their own office inside the park.
They also objected to the department’s decision to allow hundreds of school and college buses to use the premises for parking, saying it has further degraded the park environment. Complaints over these issues have triggered widespread criticism of the officials’ handling of the park.
Environmental groups said senior authorities must order a detailed inquiry into the turtle deaths and take immediate steps to restore the stepwell and protect urban biodiversity.
