Waste Dumping and Encroachment Shrink Golconda's Shah Hatim Lake to 30 Acres

The historic Shah Hatim Lake in Golconda, located just 20 feet from the Golconda Fort wall in Hyderabad, has shrunk from over 100 acres to just 30 acres due to persistent encroachment, garbage dumping, and debris disposal. Local residents and heritage activists are raising alarms over the lake's deteriorating state, which has been severely worsened by a decade of official neglect and the construction of a water outlet last year.

The rapid accumulation of garbage and construction debris has not only affected the lake's active water storage area but has also blocked its natural inflow channels. The outlet built last year further accelerated the reduction of the lake's water levels, leaving the historic site in its current depleted state.

According to local resident Habeeb, the Shah Hatim Lake was a thriving natural habitat visited regularly by migratory birds until just a few years ago. Due to the rapid deterioration of the lake's environment, these birds have stopped visiting the area entirely. Residents also alleged that the lake land is being systematically encroached upon. They stated that despite sending repeated representations to local officials, no concrete action has been taken to halt the pollution or the encroachments.

Ilyas Khan, the Convener of Heritage Watch, stated that although the lake was cleared in the past following public complaints, dumpers have continued to discharge fresh soil and debris into the water. Khan, who has watched the lake since his childhood, recalled a time when the local community could even use its fresh water.

Another local resident, Md Afzal, pointed out that the lake has been neglected for more than a decade. He noted that because the polluted water body is situated directly next to the Golconda Fort wall, its current state defaces the heritage structure and presents a major health hazard to the surrounding residential population.

The issues are part of a wider threat to the area's historic hydrology. Locals alleged that all four water bodies associated with the Golconda Fort—Shah Hatim, Jamalikunta, Naya Qila, and Lunger Houz lakes—are being polluted, converted into dumping yards, and encroached upon. During the Qutb Shahi period, these natural water resources were used to protect the Golconda Fort and fed a large garden constructed inside the Naya Qila.