Durgam Cheruvu

Durgam Cheruvu, also known as Raidurgam Cheruvu, is a freshwater lake located in Rangareddy district, Telangana, India. The lake, which is spread over 83 acres (34 ha), is located near the city of Hyderabad. The lake is also known as Secret Lake because it is hidden between the localities of Jubilee Hills, Madhapur and Raidurg.^[3] The Durgam Cheruvu Bridge, which traverses the lake, was inaugurated in September 2020.^[4]

Durgam Cheruvu
Durgam Cheruvu in 2010
Durgam Cheruvu
Coordinates	17.42886°N 78.387794°E / 17.42886; 78.387794
Type	lake
Managing agency	Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority
Max. length	3.5 kilometres (2.2 mi)
Surface area	83 acres (34 ha)[1]
Max. depth	28 feet (8.5 m)[2]
Water volume	1,679,430 cubic metres (1,361.54 acre⋅ft)
Settlements	Hyderabad, India

History

Under the rule of the Qutub Shahi dynasty (ca. 1518–1687), this lake served as the drinking water source for the residents of Golconda Fort.

Species Diversity

As of June 2024, there are 149 bird species recorded at Durgam Cheruvu on eBird.^[5]

Tourism

In 2001, the tourism department of the local government initiated steps to promote the lake as a tourist destination. As a part of this, five boats were to be deployed at the lake.^[6]

In 2002, the lake started to become a destination for people who go for fishing as a pastime. Few people from the nearby city of Hyderabad travel to this lake on the weekends to relax and enjoy fishing.^[7] To capitalise on the visitors, the local agencies expanded their tourism plans by turning the lake into a fishing zone. As a part of the various beautification steps, the area surrounding the lake was illuminated, artificial waterfalls, a rock garden and a floating fountain were added. In addition to this, proper seating arrangements, a 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) walkway and restaurants were established. Adventure activities like rock climbing, trekking, rappelling, an art gallery and a sculptor park for artists were also introduced as attractions.^[8] An amphitheater, with a capacity to hold 1,500 people at a time, was also added for public access. The entire exercise was completed at a cost of ₹20 million (US$240,000).^[9]

In 2018, the lake bund was upgraded with walkways as part of CSR activity by K Raheja group.^[10]

Durgam Cheruvu Lake Front Park

The lake front park was inaugurated on August 28, 2018 by Mr. K. T. Rama Rao.

Durgam Cheruvu Cable Bridge

The Durgam Cheruvu Cable Bridge is an extradosed bridge in Hyderabad. It links Jubilee Hills to Madhapur and Hitech City.

Controversies and pollution

Because of the unique rock formations abutting the lake, it was designated as a protected area. In 2001, the state high court issued an order to the local pollution board and the city's water supply and sewerage board not to allow development of new residential localities near the lake. Furthermore, the court order also asked these agencies to take immediate steps for prevention or collection and treatment of domestic sewage flowing into the lake from the residential colonies in the vicinity and catchment area of the lake. Despite these notifications, the local agencies have failed in controlling both pollution and illegitimate constructions on the lake bed.^[11]

To tackle pollution in the lake, sewage treatment plants were set up by the local pollution control board in 2006.^[12] As years passed by, the plant became non-functional.^[3] A separate sewerage treatment plant (STP) was set up at Durgam Cheruvu by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board, after Government of Telangana approved it in 2022.^[13]

Durgam Cheruvu is now a place to relax. There is an amphitheatre, and the On the Rocks cafeteria. Boating is also available.^[14][15] A cable bridge with dancing fountain also adorns the lake.

Gallery

• 
  Early morning at Durgum Cheruvu
• 
  Masjid at Raya Durgam Cheruvu Bund
• 
  Raya Durgam Cheruvu Lake front
• 
  Durgam Cheruvu bridge under construction
• 
  Durgam Cheruvu bridge illuminated at night
• 
  Durgam Cheruvu near HITEC City being slowly encroached by expanding city
• 
  Durgam Cheruvu bridge after construction

References

1. "Mission to reclaim Durgam Cheruvu". The Times of India. 19 February 2010. Archived from the original on 3 November 2012. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
2. "Filth, flood make Durgam Cheruvu stink". The Hindu. 17 September 2006. Archived from the original on 5 December 2007. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
3. S., Bachan Jeet Singh (6 April 2009). "Visiting Durgam Cheruvu? Better get a gas mask first". The Indian Express. Retrieved 3 October 2010.^{[permanent dead link‍]}
4. "Durgam Cheruvu bridge inaugurated". The Hindu. 25 September 2020. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
5. "Bird List - Durgam Cheruvu, Ranga Reddy, Telangana, India - eBird Hotspot". ebird.org. 22 June 2024. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
6. Menon, Jayashankar (31 December 2001). "APTDC Introduces Additional Watersports Facilities". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 10 July 2011. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
7. Souvik, Chowdhury (9 April 2002). "Hook, line and sinker". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 February 2010. Retrieved 3 October 2010.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
8. "Durgam Cheruvu turns into anglers' paradise". The Times of India. 16 March 2003. Archived from the original on 3 November 2012. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
9. M. L., Melly Maitreyi (11 December 2003). "New-look Durgam Cheruvu beckons tourists". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 31 December 2003. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
10. "CSR - Raheja". Archived from the original on 30 May 2018. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
11. K., Venkateshwarlu (28 November 2002). "Threat to Durgam Cheruvu". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 23 January 2005. Retrieved 3 October 2010.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
12. M. L., Melly Maitreyi (23 August 2006). "Sewage treatment plants: trial runs next month". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 29 April 2007. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
13. "New STP to clean Durgam Cheruvu in Hyderabad". The Times of India. April 2023.
14. "Durgam chervu". Aptdc.gov.in. Archived from the original on 10 December 2013. Retrieved 19 December 2013.
15. Ghanate, Naveena (1 August 2018). "Durgam Cheruvu now a delight for walkers while Lakefront view awaits to August 15". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 8 May 2019.