Bathukamma begins amid complaints over unclean lakes in Hyderabad

As Bathukamma celebrations begin across Hyderabad, concerns have emerged over the poor condition of several lakes and ponds, which remain littered and choked with hyacinth and algal bloom. Despite GHMC’s claims of preparing over 384 water bodies and deploying sanitation staff, parks like Krishna Kanth continue to draw complaints from visitors.

Hyderabad: Even as Bathukamma, the vibrant festival with colourful floral displays and traditional performances, commenced across Hyderabad, the GHMC is yet to have most of the water bodies cleaned and readied for the occasion.

Several lakes and ponds that usually are decked up for the festivities every year, still continue to have the shores littered and water taken over by hyacinth growth and algal bloom.

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Like several others, the water body in Krishna Kanth Park, spread over seven acres, emits a stench after effluent had covered its surface. The park, which attracts around 15,000 daily walkers and witnesses the highest footfall during weekends similar to other major parks including KBR Park, Jalagam Vengalrao Park and Indira Park, is now facing complaints from visitors.

Thousands of women from Yousuguda, Madhura Nagar, Krishnadevaraya Nagar, and Krishna Nagar and nearby colonies celebrate Bathukamma festival every year, with large gatherings.

However, the GHMC in a statement said that over 384 Bathukamma ponds, lakes, temporary ponds, and tanks were prepared throughout Hyderabad.

“For the public’s convenience, GHMC installed 82 temporary toilets and 45,000 temporary electric lights. Additionally, 1,450 sanitation staff were stationed at the event venues to maintain cleanliness,” said the official statement on Sunday.