Algae chokes Hyderabad’s drinking water lifelines, sparks alarm

HYDERABAD: Osmansagar and Himayatsagar, two major drinking water sources for dual towns of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, are actually infested with algal expansion. The presence of undesirable vegetation signifies that the drinking water sources are progressively losing their pristine setting.

A thick blanket of weeds and algae has formed within the shores of the lakes as water has been impounded for lengthy. Lack of outflow has ended in stagnation of water within the lakes resulting in algal bloom.

City docs point out algal bloom and expansion of undesirable vegetation in water our bodies may reason well being issues if folks drink it. Even touch with polluted water would possibly reason pores and skin diseases.

Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB), which controls the lakes, has no longer released water downstream within the remaining 18 months. The board has taken up regular maintenance on the crest gates.

Since their construction about 90 years in the past, Osmansagar and Himayatsagar reservoirs have been catering to the needs to lakhs of folks. Their prominence took a again seat after the HMWSSB took up Krishna and Godavari initiatives. The “lifeline reservoirs’ have an assured supply of 45 million gallons of water consistent with day (MGD). Water from the reservoirs was once utilised till 2016.

Krishna and Godavari water is now equipped to spaces that once got supplies from Osmansagar and Himayatsagar. “We have stored the water within the lakes for long run wishes, particularly in circumstances of emergency. If the supplies from Godavari and Krishna sources go dry, we will financial institution on Osmansagar and Himayatsagar lakes to meet the demand,” a senior professional of the water board stated.


The reservoirs have been losing water because of evaporation. It will increase all through summer time. About one MGD of water is misplaced in evaporation.


Experts point out that water in lakes will have to be aerated and in constant circulation. Any stagnation of water for lengthy classes would result within the expansion of undesirable vegetation. It would additionally reason foul odor. The quality of the water is affected. Though the water board takes up purification of water earlier than it is pumped into faucets, it is fascinating that the water quality is maintained at its highest pristine ranges in major water our bodies like Osmansagar and Himayatsagar.


Research studies have printed that the water quality within the two lakes has been deteriorating over the years. There will have to be regular research of water samples accrued from the lake for physical, biological and chemical contaminations, if any. This will be sure that the two major lakes live on for lengthy.



Algae chokes Hyderabad’s drinking water lifelines, sparks alarm Algae chokes Hyderabad’s drinking water lifelines, sparks alarm Reviewed by Kailash on May 28, 2018 Rating: 5
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