Polluted lakes dampen Bathukamma spirit in Sangareddy villages

Bathukamma festivities in Domadugu and neighbouring villages of Sangareddy were hit after toxic effluents from a pharma company polluted Nalla Cheruvu and nearby lakes. Women were forced to seek alternative immersion sites, lamenting the foul smell and contaminated waters.

Sangareddy: The women of Domadugu and neighbouring villages in Gummadidala mandal, who usually celebrate Bathukamma on a grand scale, are facing difficulties this year as the local Nalla Cheruvu has been polluted with toxic water discharged by a pharma company.

Every year, the celebrations begin with Engilipula Bathukamma, which was observed on Sunday, and women immerse the floral arrangements in Nalla Cheruvu. But this time, due to the foul smell from the polluted lake, villagers are forced to look for alternative sites.

---

Speaking to Telangana Today, local farmer M Mangaiah said toxic water had also flown downstream into Rajanala Cheruvu, Rayini Cheruvu and other water bodies. “Women are planning to play Bathukamma at Rajanala Cheruvu this time, as the stench from Nalla Cheruvu is unbearable,” he said.

Bathukamma ghat was built at Nalla Cheruvu a few years ago to facilitate immersion, but the release of toxic effluents has derailed festive plans. Locals said they were preparing to clean Rajanala Cheruvu for the celebrations on Sunday evening, but women lamented that even this lake was polluted, leaving them with no option but to immerse Bathukammas in contaminated waters.