Locals in India’s southern city of Hyderabad are expressing serious concern over the pollution of the Hussian Sagar Lake. The lake is the city’s main water body and a major tourist attraction.

The condition of the lake has worsened over the past few years…dumping idols made of toxic materials, nearby slums using the lake, sewage and dumping of industrial and domestic waste has polluted the lake.

Some locals complain of the foul smell.

[Sunil, Local]:
“It is very difficult to sit here for even five minutes, as the foul smell coming from the contaminated lake is very strong. This is a park where a common man comes for walking and jogging, but if there is no fresh oxygen, then what’s the use? The government should take action to clean the lake.”

Environmentalists are also concerned over the health hazards caused by the pollution.

Hussain Sagar is an artificial lake made in 1562 for irrigation and drinking water needs.