Contaminated water from Sunnam lake poses serious health risks: PCB Report
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Disaster Management and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) investigation into the quality of groundwater in and around Sunnam lake brought forth the eye-popping details of polluted groundwater.
According to the HYDRAA, groundwater extracted illegally near Sunnam lake in Madhapur is being supplied as drinking water to hostels, educational institutions, and hotels, posing severe health hazards.
A Pollution Control Board (PCB) investigation found that the water has very high levels of heavy metals. These levels are much higher than international safety limits. PCB tests found that borewell water near the polluted lake contains excessive amounts of lead, cadmium, and nickel—metals known to cause serious health complications.
According to the permissible standards, lead (Pb) content shouldn’t be more than 0.01 mg per litre, but PCB was found around 0.073 - 0.122 mg in the collected samples, which is 7 to 12 times higher. Lead exposure harms children's brain development. It reduces memory, causes anemia, and damages the kidneys. Further alarming was the presence of cadmium (Cd), the safe limit is 0.003 mg, but tests showed 0.007 - 0.010 mg, which is 2 to 3 times higher. Cadmium exposure weakens bones, damages kidneys, and is linked to cancer.
In addition to that, the permissible limit for Nickel (Ni) content is 0.02 mg, but PCB detected 0.038 - 0.046 mg, which is twice the safe level. High nickel intake can cause skin diseases, liver damage, and kidney dysfunction.
Illegal water trade endangering lives
Water tankers are illegally extracting and supplying this contaminated groundwater, particularly affecting students in hostels and coaching centres near Madhapur, including IIT aspirants, as stated in the statement released by HYDRAA. The stench from the polluted lake is unbearable, yet water traders continue to exploit the area.
Police cases filed, restoration planned
HYDRAA has filed police complaints against illegal water suppliers and prioritized the revival of Sunnam lake under a Rs 10 crore project. The lake, spread over 32.60 acres, is among six water bodies being restored in Hyderabad to prevent further pollution, said HYDRAA.
