Hyderabad: RK Puram Lake’s worsening condition raises health concerns
Hyderabad: Residents of RK Puram, Hyderabad, have expressed growing concerns over the deteriorating condition of the RK Puram Lake (Mukkidi Cheruvu), which they say is posing serious health risks. The lake has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes due to untreated sewage and increasing pollution, including unchecked water hyacinth, plastic waste, and garbage dumping.
Social activist Robin Zaccheus raised awareness of the issue on social media, urging authorities to take immediate action. He highlighted that the lake’s pollution has worsened over time, creating an environment conducive to mosquito infestations. In his post, Zaccheus called for mosquito control measures, sewage treatment, and a lake cleanup.
#RKPuram residents are raising concerns over the RK puram lake (Mukkidi Cheruvu) worsening condition day by day.
The lake is completed polluted with unchecked water hyacinth, plastic waste, sewage, garbage dumping & and frequent animal waste by nearby slaughter houses.
This… pic.twitter.com/9uH3q0HLIw
— Robin Zaccheus (@RobinZaccheus) February 21, 2025
“The condition of the lake is alarming,” Zaccheus said, addressing the GHMC Commissioner, GHMC officials, and HYDRAA on the platform.
Residents have voiced similar concerns. Dr. Jyothi Chowdary Bandi, a local citizen, questioned why the lake has not been prioritized by authorities despite its deteriorating state. “Every day, while crossing the R.K. Puram flyover, we wonder why the lake is not being taken care of,” Dr. Bandi said.
Vijay, another resident, mentioned that despite raising the issue with local MLAs and MPs, the only visible action has been the installation of a fence around the lake. “Beyond that, nothing has been done,” he said.
The situation at RK Puram Lake shows a larger trend in Hyderabad, where several other lakes have faced similar neglect. Previously, residents of Kakatiya Hills, Pragathi Nagar, and Bachupally, Nizampet raised concerns about the poor condition of Ambir Lake (Amber Cheruvu), which has become a dumping ground for waste, including medical and household trash, along with debris from demolished buildings. Local businesses have also been encroaching on the lake, further contributing to the damage.
Kondapur residents have also reported an increasing mosquito problem near Kudikunta Lake, caused by unchecked water hyacinth growth, which has been left unattended for months. The lake is now a breeding ground for mosquitoes, creating a significant public health concern.
Tips to Prevent Mosquito Breeding:
1. Eliminate standing water in containers, trays, and buckets.
2. Regularly clean gutters to prevent water accumulation.
3. Cover water storage containers with tightly sealed lids.
4. Use mosquito nets around open windows and doors.
5. Trim lawns to reduce mosquito hiding spots.
6. Properly dispose of waste to prevent water collection in discarded items.
Local residents are calling for urgent action from the GHMC and other concerned authorities to address the growing environmental and health issues caused by the pollution of these lakes.
