‘We want a stench free lake’

As many as 400 students came out onto the streets near Sanjeevaiah park in the city, and all they asked for was a cleaner Hussain Sagar Lake. Echoing similar views, slogans raised at the event said, “We want stench free, colourless water in this lake, this being one of the largest man-made lakes in the world.” They were part of a walk organised by Electronics & Mechanical Engineering (EME) center and Military College of Electronics & Mechanical Engineering (MCEME), here on Sunday.

“The water in the lake has been degrading over the years. All the efforts claimed by the government is not visible anywhere,” says Himanshu, a student of Kendriya Vidyalaya who participated in the walk.

However, while the cause was seemingly worthwhile, the campaign turned out to be more of a photo opportunity for the ‘celebrities’ who turned up. Also quite disappointing was the fact that even the organisers who were striving to create an awareness about the lake, were absolutely unaware about the Hussain Sagar lake turning 450 this year.

“We just know it used to be a drinking water source centuries ago and that if nothing is done right now to preserve it, the lake would become a stench tank forever,” said Amulya Gayatri, another student who turned up.

Present on the occasion, Major General Amarjit Singh, MCEME said he was happy to be part of the walk along the National Laser Sailing Championship 2012 at the lake. “We support all the initiatives taken up by the government to safeguard our nature and environment. There is a need to clean the degrading waters in this lake,” he said.

The students of Army Public School and Kendriya Vidyalaya, Bolaram, along with cadets of Cadets Training Wing (CTW), recruits from EME and volunteers from EME Sailing Club, who took the walk also took a signature campaign, before concluding the event at EME Sailing Club.

Terming the occasion to spread awareness as a gift to the future generation, Brigadier JS Dhull, 1 EME said, “The pollutants and stink from the lake has been damaging the environment. If not now, it will become detrimental to our health eventually.”

Chief guest for the event and civil supplies minister, D Sridhar Babu flagged off the walk and urged for better responsibility  among public to create a green future for the coming generations. He ensured that the government was taking up all major technology to ensure a clean lake but needs the support from responsible citizens. He laid emphasis on educating the common  man to not use the lake as a dump yard.

Also making their presence felt was actors Manchu Lakshmi and  Manchu Manoj who participated in the program.