Template:Infobox body of water
Durgam Cheruvu, also known as Raidurgam Cheruvu, is a freshwater lake located in Rangareddy district, Telangana, India. The lake, which is spread over Template:Convert, is located near the city of Hyderabad. The lake is also known as Secret Lake because it is hidden between the localities of Jubilee Hills and Madhapur.[1] The Durgam Cheruvu Bridge, which traverses the lake, was inaugurated in September 2020.[2]
History
Under the rule of the Qutub Shahi dynasty (ca. 1518–1687), this lake served as the drinking water source for the residents of Golkonda fort.
Tourism
In 2001, the tourism department of the local government initiated steps to promote the lake as a tourist destination. As a part of this, five boats were to be deployed at the lake.[3]
In 2002, the lake started to become a destination for people who go for fishing as a pastime. Few people from the nearby city of Hyderabad travel to this lake on the weekends to relax and enjoy fishing.[4] To capitalise on the visitors, the local agencies expanded their tourism plans by turning the lake into a fishing zone. As a part of the various beautification steps, the area surrounding the lake was illuminated, artificial waterfalls, a rock garden and a floating fountain were added. In addition to this, proper seating arrangements, a Template:Convert walkway and restaurants were established. Adventure activities like rock climbing, trekking, rappelling, an art gallery and a sculptor park for artists were also introduced as attractions.[5] An amphitheater, with a capacity to hold 1,500 people at a time, was also added for public access. The entire exercise was completed at a cost of Template:INRConvert.[6]
In 2018, the lake bund was upgraded with walkways as part of CSR activity by K Raheja group.[7]
Controversies and pollution
Because of the unique rock formations abutting the lake, it was designated as a protected area. In 2001, the state high court issued an order to the local pollution board and the city's water supply and sewerage board not to allow development of new residential localities near the lake. Furthermore, the court order also asked these agencies to take immediate steps for prevention or collection and treatment of domestic sewage flowing into the lake from the residential colonies in the vicinity and catchment area of the lake. Despite these notifications, the local agencies have failed in controlling both pollution and illegitimate constructions on the lake bed.[8]
To tackle pollution in the lake, sewage treatment plants were set up by the local pollution control board in 2006.[9] As years passed by, the plant became non-functional.[1]
Durgam Cheruvu is now a place to relax. There is an amphitheatre, and the On the Rocks cafeteria. Boating is also available.[10][11] A cable bridge with dancing fountain also adorns the lake.
Gallery
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Early morning at Durgum Cheruvu
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Masjid at Raya Durgam Cheruvu Bund
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Raya Durgam Cheruvu Lake front
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Durgam Cheruvu bridge under construction
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Durgam Cheruvu bridge illuminated at night
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Visiting Durgam Cheruvu? Better get a gas mask first. The Indian Express(6 April 2009). Retrieved 3 October 2010.Template:Dead link
- ↑ Durgam Cheruvu bridge inaugurated. The Hindu(2020-09-25). Retrieved 2021-01-22.
- ↑ APTDC Introduces Additional Watersports Facilities. The Indian Express(31 December 2001). Retrieved 3 October 2010.
- ↑ Hook, line and sinker. The Hindu(9 April 2002). Retrieved 3 October 2010.
- ↑ Durgam Cheruvu turns into anglers' paradise. The Times of India(16 March 2003). Retrieved 3 October 2010.
- ↑ New-look Durgam Cheruvu beckons tourists. The Hindu(11 December 2003). Retrieved 3 October 2010.
- ↑ Archived copy. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
- ↑ Threat to Durgam Cheruvu. The Hindu(28 November 2002). Retrieved 3 October 2010.
- ↑ Sewage treatment plants: trial runs next month. The Hindu(23 August 2006). Retrieved 3 October 2010.
- ↑ Durgam chervu. Aptdc.gov.in. Retrieved 2013-12-19.
- ↑ Durgam Cheruvu now a delight for walkers while Lakefront view awaits to August 15, Ghanate, Naveena. Deccan Chronicle(2018-08-01). Retrieved 2019-05-08.