Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Hyderabad Moves to Tackle Durgam Cheruvu’s Sewage and Stench
Durgam Cheruvu lake in Hyderabad has started to smell bad and has dead fish near its shores.
Officials believe sewage may be entering drains that should carry rainwater.
The water board has started checking where the sewage comes from.
It will also measure how much sewage and treated water are moving through the area.
One plan is to send sewage directly to nearby treatment plants through a special pipeline.
Officials will study whether existing pipes and treatment plants are large enough.
Private buildings near the lake will also have their treatment systems checked.
The goal is to stop sewage from reaching the lake, especially on days when it does not rain.
Durgam Cheruvu is experiencing foul odors, dead fish and visibly polluted shores.
The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board began inspecting drains, sewage flows, treatment plants and rainwater canals.
Officials will assess whether sewage enters stormwater drains on non-rainy days and consider diverting it through a dedicated pipeline.
A comprehensive review will examine sewage quantities, treated-water flows, pipeline capacity and sewage-treatment-plant performance.
Private sewage-treatment plants in the lake’s catchment area will be surveyed, with flow meters proposed to monitor discharged water.
- Who
- The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board, led in the inspection by managing director K. Ashok Reddy.
- What
- Officials began a survey and developed a three-step plan to identify, intercept and treat sewage entering Durgam Cheruvu.
- When
- The lake was closed and the inspection began on Friday; a future-planning horizon of 2047 was also specified.
- Where
- Durgam Cheruvu and its surrounding catchment area in Hyderabad.
- Why
- The lake has a foul smell, dead fish and polluted-looking shores, with possible sewage entering rainwater drains.
- Lake
- Durgam Cheruvu
- City
- Hyderabad
- Lead agency
- Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board
- Immediate action
- Inspection of drains, sewage flows, sewage-treatment plants, rainwater canals and diversion routes
- Proposed infrastructure
- A dedicated sewage pipeline and, where needed, new sewer lines and trunk mains
- Planning horizon
- Infrastructure needs are to be assessed through 2047
- Private facilities
- Hotels, commercial complexes, high-rise buildings and residential complexes in the catchment will have their sewage-treatment plants surveyed