The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has saved the centuries-old Katora Houz inside Golconda Fort from going the way of other lakes in the city when it shot down a proposal by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to turn the lake into a recreation space. But that has not stopped the GHMC from building a massive ramp leading into the Katora Houz. A portion of the old retaining wall has been razed to make way for dumping of construction waste for bringing in earthmovers.
“We gave permission to desilt it as civic officials said it’s impossible to clean it otherwise as sewage is being let into the lake. They said it can only be cleaned using earthmovers,” said Milan Kumar Chauley, Superintending Archaeologist of ASI.
“One year ago, we made an effort to clean up the lake as it had become filthy with water hyacinth as well as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Another effort was made during the visit of U.S. President’s daughter Ivanka Trump. But it’s difficult to do it manually as human waste is also let into the lake,” said a GHMC’s Entomology Department official.
This year marks 500 years of establishment of Qutb Shahi dynasty as Sultan Quli built a masjid at the foothills of the fortress and called himself malikul mulk on the inscription stone of Jama Masjid in 1518. The Katora Houz (Persian: well) is part of a network to store and transport water inside the massive fortress. It was one of the water bodies that helped the last Qutb Shahi king, Abul Hasan, survive an eight-month siege enforced by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1687.
Over the past few years, sewage from the surrounding areas is being let into the lake through a 609-mm pipeline.
“We gave them permission about a year ago to clean up the lake. They wanted to turn it into a park and a lake. We told them that it’s a heritage lake and they cannot do that. Then they said they will have to use earthmovers to clean it up and restore the lake by diverting all the sewage coming into the lake. We approved that proposal,” informed Mr. Chauley.
While some residents complain about the foul smell and mosquitoes, many others use it as a garbage bin. “We used to play cricket during summer, and in monsoon, it used to get filled up with water. But now, the rainwater doesn’t enter the lake. Hopefully, the clean up will help restore the lake to its earlier condition,” said Kausar Shareef, a resident of the area.
The shallow four-acre lake has stone and limestone mortar flooring.
