Hyderabad: Rising temperatures worsen stench around Hussain Sagar lake

Hussain Sagar lake is emitting a strong foul odour as rising summer temperatures trigger heavy algal bloom. BPPA has intensified bioremediation using microbial solutions and plans additional measures, including speed boats, while restoration equipment remains unused pending operations begin soon.

Hyderabad: A strong and nauseating stench is greeting the commuters and visitors around Hussain Sagar lake these days. With summer temperatures on the rise, the odour from the water body has increased and causing discomfort for those moving around it.

The stench affected shore areas include PVNR Marg (Ranigunj), Necklace Road, NTR Gardens, corner area near Secretariat (Lumbini Park), Tank Bund and the water level scale area (Hyderabad Boats Club Sailing Annexe).

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According to the Budda Purnima Project Authority (BPPA), which maintains Hussain Sagar lake, the stench is due to a thick layer of green algae bloom due to severe heat. As mercury touched near 40 degree Celsius, the intensity of the odour has been more noticeable at the shores.

The BPPA has started bioremediation processes, including spraying microbial solutions to control the odor and reduce the algal bloom.

“Initially, we used 3 to 5 tankers to spray microbial solutions as part of bioremediation and break down organic pollutants. Now, the number of tankers, each with a capacity of 3,000 litre, have been increased to 30 per day,” an official said.

The microbial solution is a liquid blend of beneficial microbes such as lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and photosynthetic bacteria, to dilute the water colour and control the odour, the official said.

BPPA is also considering a proposal to hire 5 to 6 speed boats from Telangana Tourism department to break the algal bloom in the lake. “We plan to hire these boats and as breaking the algal bloom will make it easy for bioremediation process,” said the official.

Amphibious excavator idle at Hussain Sagar Lake:

Last month, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority procured a Rs 2.87 crore amphibious excavator to support lake restoration works, including desilting, dredging and weed removal.
However, to date, operations with the amphibious excavator are yet to begin at the lake.
The amphibious excavator was intended to work in waterlogged and marshy areas for desilting tank beds, carrying out dredging operations, strengthening bunds, removing aquatic weeds, clearing debris and sludge.