Floating boom barrier in Picket Nala arrests the flow of trash into Hussain Sagar.
Hyderabad: Buoyed by the success of a floating boom barrier in Picket Nala to arrest the flow of trash into Hussain Sagar lake, Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) is now working on setting up four automated trash collection systems to prevent waste flowing into the lake.
Last year, the HMDA, as part of intensified Hussain Sagar conservation efforts, had installed a floating boom barrier in Picket nala. For the pilot project, HMDA roped in DESMI, a Denmark-based company dealing with marine cleaning issues, for the purpose. As part of the agreement with HMDA and for pilot demonstration, DESMI installed the boom barrier-free of cost.
The boom barrier partially floats on the water surface and beneath as well. Installed at a strategic location, the boom barrier stopped floating material and later all the accumulated waste was collected and dumped into dumper bins through an automatic conveyor belt. The entire waste collected at the site was then transported to the Jawaharnagar dump yard.
With the pilot project yielding desired results, the HMDA is now working on setting up four automated trash collection systems. “The floating boom barrier helped in preventing trash from getting into the lake. About 10 tonnes of waste was collected every month,” a HMDA official told Telangana Today, adding that Banjara Nala, Picket Nala, Balkapur Nala and Kukatpally Nala are the four major inflow channels into the Hussain Sagar.
Tenders have been floated to execute the works, he said. Since HMDA does not have the required manpower for operation and maintenance of the system, agencies are being roped in for installation, operation and maintenance of the systems, the official said.
Locations for setting up the trash collection systems are yet to be identified. Efforts are being made to install the automated trash collection systems before monsoon but due to the lockdown, it was delayed, the official explained.
Currently, the floating material in the lake is being done through floating trash collectors. Treatment of inflows into the Hussain Sagar is also being done in two ways. Under I&D’s (Interception and Diversion Structures), all sewage and effluents coming from the four nalas are stopped by I&D structures and are diverted through big sewer lines. There are seven I&Ds constructed at various places on the nalas. The second method comprises Sewerage Treatment Plants.
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