Hussain Sagar Lake is one of the biggest man made lakes in India situation in Hyderabad city diving Hyderabad and Secunderabad. This lake is named after Hazrat Hussain Shah who built this lake at the time Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah rule in the year 1562. In 16th century, the main purpose to build this lake is to meet the water and irrigation requirements of Hyderabad city.
Hussain Sagar lake is built on a tributary of the River Musi. Though its a man made artificial lake, but the lake water is held perennially. Previously this lake had very beautiful and clear waters. Also this lake was famous for its delicious and tasty Murrel (fish). Till 1970’s, the lake waters were supplied to many parts of Hyderabad city for drinking purpose.
After the completion of Hussain Sagar lake in the year 1562, the lake remained empty for few years. They brought water to this lake from one of the channels of River Musi to fill it up. The maximum depth of this lake is 32 feet.
Hussain Sagar Lake is also mentioned in book “Confessions of a Thug” written by a writer Phillip Meadows Taylor in the year 1839. The book described that the waves of this lake splashing the surface sparkled like diamonds. That was the beauty of this 451 year old lake in old days of Hyderabad.
The actual size of this lake was 24 square Kms which is now shrunk to half of its size to 13 square Kms. There is story that the first negotiation truce (agreement) between Moghal rulers and Golconda rulers took place on the banks of this great lake in the year 1647 with Aurangazed leading the Moghuls and Adbul Hasan Qutb Shah was ruling Hyderabad.
The walk on the Tank Bund used to be impressive walkway with its beautiful surroundings. Great people of Hyderabad used to take evening walks on the Tank Bund. The pavilion on Tank Bund was first built by Nawab Dawood Jung.
Hussain Sagar Lake used to serve the people of Hyderabad in other ways too. Hyderabad City’s first power station called as ‘Hussain Sagar Thermal Power Station” (also the first thermal power station of South India) was built on the banks of this lake in the year 1920 by Nizam ruler Mir Osman Ali Khan. This power station supplied power to Hyderabad and Secunderabad from the year 1920 to 1983. Now that area is being converted to Prasad’s IMAX and NTR gardens.
The palace of Nizam Mehbood Ali Pasha which is on banks of Hussain Sagar is now converted to Secretariat of AP is great testimony to Hussain Sagar lake.
A large Buddha statue (18 meters in height) is erected in Hussain Sagar Lake (on the rock Gibraltar) in the year 1992. (12-Apr-1992).
During the last 15 years, the Hussain Sagar Lake got deteriorated and the Eco-system of this Lake has changed completely due to unplanned Urbanization. The water quality has deteriorated and exceeded its eutrophic conditions. Even after commission of Sewage Treat Plant on the west side of this lake, large amount of industrial waste continue to flow into the lake.
Very few cities in India have a lake like this in the middle of the city like Hyderabad. Now everyone should take proper steps to bring back past glory to Hussain Sagar Lake.
Distance:
– 6 Kms from Secunderabad railway Station (15-20 min drive)
– 7 Kms from MGBS Bus Stop, Hyderabad ( 15-20 min drive)
Public Transport:
– Buses from Secunderabad – 5M, 5K, 5R, 8A, 5K
– Buses from MGBS Bus Stop, Hyderabad – 7Z, 7K-299, 8R
Food Facilities: Plenty of hotels with all kinds of food. But one should not miss Hyderabadi specials.
Neary by Tourist Attractions:
– Necklance Road
– Lumbini Park
– Boadt Club rides
– NTR Gardens
– Buddha Statue in Hussai Sagar Lake
– Masjid and Tomd of Saidani Maa Saheba – an heritage site by ASI
Boat Rides: Access to Buddha Statue using boats is available from Lumbini Park and Eat Street.
Boating Fees: Rs.30 for Adults and Rs. 20 for kids
Speed Boats: Rs. 160 for 4 persons
Water Boats: Rs 60 per trip
Contact Numbers: AP Tourism – 040-23453315
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