HMDA shelves dredging along Kukatpally inlet

The proposal to dredge the accumulated hazardous sediment in Hussainsagar lake along the Kukatpally inlet has been shelved by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA).

The Buddha Purnima Project (BPP) of HMDA which had already taken up dredging along the mouth of other inlets i.e., Picket nala, Banjara nala and Balkapur nala, of the lake would be completing these works in next two months. According to officials, dredging of these three sites has made considerable progress and around 6.50 lakh cubic metre of non-hazardous sediment has been removed and shifted to dump site at Gajularamaram.

While initiating the project, the authorities made an estimate of scooping out around 10 lakh cubic metre of sediment from the lake, including 3.50 lakh cubic metre hazardous sediments around the Kukatpally nala inlet.

“A major part of dredging work for three non-hazardous inlets is through and we hope to complete it by January 2015,” said R.P. Khajuria, HMDA Member-Environment.

However, the contentious toxic sediment accumulated in the water body from Kukatpally nala remains an issue. Factors such as project budgets running out and hardships in finding a site for dumping such sediment apparently has resulted in authorities deciding to put off this part of the initiative.

Officials also point out that there were untreated inflows from Kukatpally nala still joining Hussainsagar despite the interception and diversion structures.

“The HMWSSB is citing issues such as pipe corrosion and others and there is about 10 per cent to 15 per cent leakage from this nala into the water body,” said an official.

Over the years, apprehensions have been expressed on the toxic metals flowing into Hussainsagar lake and the possible effects of their leaching and groundwater contamination. Mr.Khajuria said it was decided to go for aeration and look for in-situ fixing of the heavy metals presence.

“We have proposed complete halt to fresh toxic inflows and go for aeration with newer technologies as being tried out at Noor Mohammed Kunta,” he added.