Centuries-old Katora Houz at Golconda turns garbage dumping yard, Hydraa plans for revival

Neglect and garbage dumping have turned the historic Katora Houz near Golconda Fort into a cesspool. Hyderabad-based NGO SAHE, with support from HYDRAA and archaeology officials, has initiated efforts to restore and protect the centuries-old water body.

Hyderabad: Hit by administrative apathy and civic disregard, the centuries-old Katora Houz at historic Golconda Fort has, over the years, turned into a garbage dumping yard, with waste continuing to accumulate in and around.

While the sewerage flowing into the water body has spoiled its original glory, the local residents using the water body as a garbage dumping point have turned it into a cesspool. Katora Houz is under the protection of the Central Archaeology Department.

Hyderabad-based NGO, the Society for Advancement of Human Endeavour (SAHE), has initiated efforts to restore Katora Houz and approached the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (Hydraa) to partner.

Kalpana Ramesh, water conservationist heading the NGO, told ‘Telangana Today’ that they have decided to revamp the entire Katora Houz with the help of government agencies, including Hydraa. She said reviving the water body would require key works, including shifting utilities and the sewerage line, followed by cleaning the water body by lifting garbage and other solid waste, for which support from various departments would be required. Once the water body is restored, certain beautification works could be taken up here.

Meanwhile, Hydraa Commissioner AV Ranganath visited Katora Houz along with officials of the Department of Archaeology and NGO representatives and discussed measures to preserve the water body, including plans to install iron fencing to prevent garbage.