The Telangana government has recently come under fire for the repeal of Government Order (GO) 111, a 25-year-old decree protecting the Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar reservoirs in Hyderabad. Critics, including environmentalists, argue that this decision will have negative implications for the delicate ecosystem that surrounds these historic water bodies.
Understanding GO 111 and Its Objectives
Government Order 111 was initiated on March 8, 1996, by the then undivided Andhra Pradesh government. Its primary objective was to safeguard the catchment area of both Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar Lakes, which span a radius of about 10 km. This was achieved by prohibiting any form of development or construction in the specified region, including industries, residential colonies, hotels, among other potential polluting entities.
These measures were taken to maintain a pollution-free environment in and around the reservoirs. At that time, the lakes were the principal sources of drinking water for Hyderabad, having served the city for close to 70 years.
Birth of the Reservoirs: A Historical Perspective
The concept of creating these reservoirs was primarily aimed at saving Hyderabad from destructive floods. This initiative took shape after a significant flood event in 1908 during the reign of the sixth Nizam Mahbub Ali Khan, where more than 15,000 lives were lost. Subsequently, dams were built on the Musi River, a significant tributary of the Krishna, resulting in the formation of these lakes.
Osman Sagar was completed in 1921, followed by Himayat Sagar in 1927, under the last Nizam, Osman Ali Khan’s rule. The Nizam’s guesthouse at Osman Sagar is now recognized as a heritage building.
Rationale Behind the Withdrawal of GO 111
The Telangana government justification for rescinding GO 111 revolves around the notion that these reservoirs are no longer the vital water sources they once were. Hyderabad’s water needs, which now exceed 600 Million Gallons per Day (MGD), are met by other sources including the Krishna River. Hence, there was seen as no need to continue with developmental restrictions in the catchment area.
Environmentalists and Activists Speak Out
Despite the government’s stance, environmentalists and activists assert that these reservoirs still play a crucial role as water sources for the city. They worry that the removal of GO 111 will lead to unchecked development around these lakes, converting the area into a “concrete jungle”.
They argue that already over 10,000 illegal constructions exist around the two lakes. They also highlight the reservoirs’ role as providers of quality wind during the southwest monsoon and express concerns over potential pollution affecting wind quality. Furthermore, the Murugavani National Park between the twin reservoirs and the surrounding area serves as a heat absorption unit for the city, the concretisation of which could lead Hyderabad to become unbearably hot.
About the Krishna River
The Krishna River, which aids in fulfilling Hyderabad’s water needs, originates near Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra. It is considered the second biggest river in peninsular India after the Godavari River. The river navigates through Maharashtra, North Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh before finding its way into the Bay of Bengal. Its tributaries include Tungabhadra, Mallaprabha, Koyna, Bhima, Ghataprabha, Yerla, Warna, Dindi, Musi, and Dudhganga.
Last Modified: February 15, 2024