In a major step towards restoring Hussainsagar’s glory by cleaning it and constructing towers around it, the Telangana Government has decided to empty the lake in the coming summer and remove the contaminated muck.
The government has sanctioned Rs.100 crore for diverting sewerage flowing into the lake and tenders for diversion of drains (‘nalas’) will be called soon. A high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Saturday also decided to construct skyscrapers in about 100 acres area at 40 identified places around the lake, in line with Supreme Court guidelines and environmental stipulations. He announced a Secretaries committee led by Chief Secretary Rajiv Sharma.
The Chief Minister attributed the lake’s pollution to sewage entering it from different areas. The lake water was also being polluted due to immersion of Ganesh and Durga idols, he said. The government would respect the sentiments of the people and make alternative arrangements by constructing another lake – Vinayak Sagar – in Indira Park.
A meeting would be convened with elected representatives and the Ganesh Utsav Committee soon on the issue. He suggested impounding of Vinayak Sagar with Hussainsagar and cleaning it at regular intervals.
It was also decided to construct the world’s tallest tower at Sanjeevaiah Park and other towers at Buddha Bhavan, Ranigunj bus depot, Lower Tank Bund, Kundanbagh, Patigadda, Sailing Club, Youth Hostel, Raghava Sadan, Nursing Colony, Dilkusha Guesthouse, Greenlands, New MLA Quarters, Electricity Bhavan, Textbook printing press, Ritz Hotel, BRKR Building, Expotel Hotel, Snow World and other locations in the first phase.
The Chief Minister examined the maps of the identified locations and stated that all of them were in government control and without any litigation. He wanted the construction of underground drains to let out sewage from the proposed buildings directly into the drains. Guidelines for construction of towers would be finalised soon.
