Fox Sagar Lake, Secunderabad Overview

Fox Sagar Lake, also called as Jeedimetla Chevuru or Kolla Chevuru is the second largest lake in Secunderabad. This human-made lake is over 120 years old and has a maximum depth of 33 feet. It was linked to the Hussain Sagar lake by a tributary of Musi river. The lake water was once used for irrigation and consumption by the local residents until it was affected due to encroachment and became unfit for consumption. It was also a fishing hub for fishermen, and they were sold in a small shop near the lake.

Kolla Chevuru has a stone structure shaped like a dome called the pump set which is led through by an iron bridge. It looks like a watchtower with a tomb and has the date 1897 CE ascribed to it. The view from there is beautiful giving the scenic look of the sunset and a portion of the huge lake. It is led through a narrow muddy road and is most visited by people during dusk and dawn. It is a calm and pleasant place to visit and is also less crowded. One can always find a flock of birds flying near the lake and is thus an ideal place for bird watchers.

Best Time to Visit

The lake provides a striking view during dusk and dawn and the climate during that time is also airy and pleasant. During winters, that is from September to December, the temperature drops making the weather cool and enjoyable. Summers can get really hot is Hyderabad and is thus not recommended as the best time to visit. Also, there is not much place for shelter in the lake and would thus make the visit and sightseeing tiring and unenjoyable.

History of Fox Sagar Lake

What was once a sterile lake has turned into a dump yard for waste and construction material in recent years. Due to encroachment, the famous picnic spot has now become the second most polluted lake in Hyderabad. As a result of the unlawful dumping of waste materials into the lake over some time and the negligence of the irrigation department, the state of the lake has become pathetic.

The lake which was once spread over 290 acres has dried down and depleted and now covers only a surface area of 126 acres. However, after two failed attempts on cleaning the lake, the World Wide Fund (WWF) finally heard its cry for attention. WWF, in collaboration with the Telangana State Special Protection Force, began a cleaning camp in 2017 which involved over 200 volunteers. Despite such efforts, it was not possible to completely restore its purity as it was severely polluted with chemicals and toxins from the surrounding industries. Further cleansing of the lake now lies in the hands of the Government.

How To Reach Fox Sagar Lake

Kolla Chevvuru is located 15 kilometres from Secunderabad at a place called Kompally. Local buses, autos and taxis are available at affordable prices to reach the lake. The closest airport is at Hyderabad which is 11 kilometres from the lake, and the nearest railway station is at Secunderabad which is 16 kilometres away. It connects all major states in the country. Local transportation can be used to commute between the different places of visit. Private vehicles can also be hired within the city to shuttle with much more comfort.