We are aware of the fact that India is blessed with all kind of resources and are utilizing it in day to day life. Water resource is an important which is required for the survival of living beings. There are many fresh water lakes in India which are used as a reservoir of drinking water. Cherurvu is a word which is used to represent lakes. Human interference had adversely affected the condition of the lakes and the ecosystem surrounding it. Discharge of wastes and other chemicals into water bodies had caused the depletion of these water bodies which once provided drinking water. Durgam Cheruvu is a fresh water lake which was once used as a source of drinking water.
The durgam cheruve is one of the best fresh water lakes in Andhra Pradesh which is situated in Rangareddy district. Durgam cheruvu is situated near the city of Hyderabad city and it covers an area of around 83 acres. The lake is also known by other name that is ‘Secret Lake’ as it is located in between Madhapur and the Jubilee hills. The depth of this lake is around 28 feet. When considering the istorical importance of this lake we need to specify about the Qutb Shahi Dynasty which ruled the area during in between the years 1518 and 1687. Under the suzerainty of Qutb Shahi Dynasty the water from the Durgam cheruva was used for drinking by the people living in the Golconda fort. This shows us the importance of this fresh water lake during the early period.
In the year 2001, by deploying five boats this fresh water lake was converted into a tourist destination. These works were done by the departmet of tourism under the control of the local government. Now this place is used by many people for fishing, the people from the Hyderabad city come here for fishing during weekends and thus they find a relief from the squeezed up life of city. Later the tourism department had introduced a rock garden, artificial waterfalls, floating fountains and the lake was illuminated in order to attract more people. Many cafeterias and many benches were also introduced around the vicinity of the Durgam Cheruvu. This place is famous for its stunning beauty and the provisions for some adventurous activities like trekking, rock climbing, and rappelling. A Sculptor park and an art gallery was also established near the Durgam cheruvu so that the tourist could have a close look at the works of artisans. The government had spent around INR 20 million in order to rejuvenate the surroundings of the Durgam cheruvu.
The high court of Andhra Pradesh in the year 2001 made a declaration no new residents should be allowed near the durgam cheruvu so that the lake would be protected from the human activities and also asked the sewerage and water supply board to take necessary steps to treat the sewage which are discharged into the Durgam Cheruvu. So sewage treatment plants were set up in the year 2006 with the aim of treating the sewage flowing into the lake but the present situation of this treatment plant is pathetic, it is not function presently.
Most of the people visiting this place come from the nearest cities with the aim of getting some good time. Many tourists from different parts of the country come to this place. People planning a journey to Hyderabad should not miss the chance to visit the Durgam Cheruvu which will provide you a wonderful site seeing opportunity, adventurous activities and even an amphitheatre is available where some cultural programmes are carried out. Hotels and restaurants are available near the Durgam cheruvu so that the visitors need not worry about their refreshments and stay backs. This tourist spot will be opened on all days and it will be functioning from 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM. These are some of the features of Durgam cheruvu which makes it more attractive.