THE PROBLEM : DURGAM CHERUVU
Durgam Cheruvu, once a picturesque lake in Hyderabad, is now facing severe pollution problems due to untreated sewage, industrial waste, and harmful chemicals. Despite efforts to improve its condition, the lake’s water has been found to contain antidepressants, painkillers, and even cocaine. This pollution has led to the death of aquatic life, foul odors, and serious environmental concerns. The Telangana High Court has intervened, pushing authorities to implement corrective measures, yet the lake’s health continues to decline. Urgent restoration efforts are required to save this vital water body from further degradation.
Durgam Cheruvu, once a vital ecosystem in Hyderabad, has experienced severe environmental degradation due to urban development, including encroachment, pollution, and construction projects like the hanging bridge. The lake, originally a large body of water, has been shrinking rapidly—over 60 acres were lost to encroachment, and ongoing construction activities continue to further reduce its size. The indiscriminate dumping of debris and excavation of heritage rock formations along the lake’s periphery are damaging the natural habitat, affecting both the aquatic ecosystem and surrounding wildlife.
The damage to the rocks, which play a crucial role in water percolation, is also impacting groundwater levels, contributing to long-term ecological imbalance. Stagnant water, unchecked sewage discharge, and the proliferation of invasive species like water hyacinth have turned the lake into a “stinking mess.” These issues, combined with the reduction in natural vegetation and the disturbance of biodiversity, are making it harder for the lake to maintain its role as an important ecological feature .
Environmental activists have voiced concerns over the lax enforcement of environmental laws, highlighting the failure of governmental bodies to regulate construction and mitigate damage. The continued deterioration of the lake, coupled with delayed rejuvenation efforts, poses a major challenge to restoring Durgam Cheruvu’s ecological health.
ArforEarth’s Restoration Efforts to Revive Durgam Cheruvu’s Ecosystem
A group of 82 dedicated volunteers from ArforEarth embarked on a morning mission to restore the ecological health of Durgam Cheruvu. Our project began at 6 AM with a thorough cleanup of the lake's surroundings, where we collected over 200 kg of waste using biodegradable garbage bags. The collected trash was then responsibly handed over to GHMC for proper waste management, ensuring no harm was done to the environment. To combat the alarmingly low oxygen levels around the lake, we took the initiative to plant trees along its banks, enhancing oxygen levels and contributing to the overall air quality.
Understanding that the challenges facing Durgam Cheruvu extend beyond waste accumulation, we moved on to address the dangerously low oxygen levels in the area. Given that reduced oxygen levels severely affect the aquatic life and the surrounding environment, we took proactive measures by planting saplings along the lakeside. These trees will not only improve the air quality in the long term but also help in stabilizing the soil, reducing erosion, and providing a better habitat for the local flora and fauna. By choosing native species of trees, we ensured that the new greenery would be well-suited to the region’s natural ecosystem, fostering biodiversity and contributing to the lake's gradual rejuvenation.
One of the most significant interventions during the day was the installation of two floating islands on the surface of the lake. These floating islands, constructed using environmentally-friendly materials, serve as natural biofilters. Designed to absorb pollutants like oil spills, these islands tackle one of the most pressing issues affecting Durgam Cheruvu—water pollution from industrial runoff and improper waste disposal. The floating islands, implanted strategically, will work over time to cleanse the water and help restore its ecological balance. This unique approach not only improves water quality but also encourages the growth of microorganisms and aquatic plants that further support the lake's health.
To raise public awareness about the critical condition of Durgam Cheruvu, we concluded our day with a peaceful protest on the iconic Durgam Cheruvu Cable Bridge, built over the lake. Our volunteers, holding banners and placards, drew attention to the ongoing pollution, unchecked encroachments, and the urgent need for government intervention. Through this protest, we aimed to amplify our message to local authorities, urging them to take immediate action to preserve the lake’s dwindling ecosystem. The protest highlighted the community’s collective voice for environmental justice and reminded the public of their role in safeguarding natural resources.
Throughout the entire restoration project, ArforEarth demonstrated its unwavering commitment to making a significant and lasting impact on the preservation of Durgam Cheruvu. From waste management and tree planting to installing eco-friendly solutions like floating islands, we took a holistic approach to tackle the environmental challenges the lake faces. Every step was meticulously planned and executed, showcasing our belief in sustainable solutions and community-driven initiatives. As we documented each activity, we created an archive of powerful images to inspire more such movements, proving that even small steps taken together can lead to monumental change.
By restoring Durgam Cheruvu, ArforEarth hopes to set an example for other cities and communities, demonstrating that with determination, collaboration, and innovative solutions, even the most damaged ecosystems can be revived for future generations.
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