The Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) recently released its water quality assessment of Hussain Sagar Lake during the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities. The monitoring, conducted at six different locations around the lake before, during, and after the immersion of Ganesh idols, revealed significant changes in the water quality, particularly with respect to Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and other key parameters.
The immersion process led to a noticeable increase in TSS and turbidity at all monitored sites around the lake. Though these levels dropped following the immersion, post-immersion readings did not revert to the pre-immersion conditions. This highlights the persistent environmental impact of the immersion rituals, even after cleanup efforts.
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) were found to have risen at four locations, particularly at platforms opposite NTR Park and near Lumbini Park. The spike was most significant at Platform No. 1 and 2 opposite NTR Park. Other areas experienced minimal changes. Meanwhile, COD and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) surged during the immersion and slowly tapered off post-immersion, though they remained higher than pre-immersion levels.
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Dissolved Oxygen (DO), a critical indicator of water health, decreased sharply during the idol immersions but showed a recovery after the festival concluded. However, the TGPCB noted an increase in the total Coliform count during the immersion phase, indicating possible bacterial contamination. Most locations saw a slight decrease in Coliform post-immersion, except for the site near Lepakshi Handicrafts, where levels continued to rise.
Chromium, a harmful heavy metal, was detected at five out of the six monitored locations, with concentrations ranging from 0.017 to 0.041 mg/L. The only location without detectable chromium was Lepakshi Handicrafts. This detection of heavy metals suggests the potential introduction of toxic materials into the lake during the festival, posing long-term risks to the lake’s ecosystem.
A comparison of this year’s data with the 2023 findings revealed some positive trends. TDS values in 2024 generally decreased, except at Platform No. 1 opposite NTR Park, where the levels remained similar to last year. COD values dropped at three locations, while DO and BOD readings remained largely consistent between the two years.
In terms of microbial contamination, total Coliform counts were steady across both years. However, Fecal Coliform levels, an indicator of human and animal waste contamination, declined in 2024, suggesting a potential improvement in sanitary conditions around the lake during the festivities.
While the TGPCB report indicates some areas of improvement, the overall findings point to the persistent negative impact of the Ganesh idol immersions on the lake’s water quality. The rise in TSS, TDS, COD, and Coliform counts underscores the need for more effective waste management and eco-friendly immersion practices in future festivals.
Environmental experts are calling for stronger regulation of the materials used in idol-making, especially in reducing the use of harmful chemicals and heavy metals like chromium. The TGPCB is expected to collaborate with civic authorities to enhance cleanup efforts and promote the use of biodegradable materials for future Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
The Hussain Sagar lake, a key landmark in Hyderabad, continues to face significant environmental challenges, and the findings from this year’s immersion activities reinforce the need for sustained and collective action to preserve its ecological health.
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