Icthyofaunal Diversity of Hussainsagar Lake, Hyderabad, India

Hussainsagar, the picturesque lake situated between the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad is an ecological and cultural land mark. It was excavated in 1562 mainly to store drinking water brought from the river Musi by Balakpur canal. However, with passage of time the lake lost its importance as a source of potable water. Nevertheless, it was extensively used for washing, bathing and recreation. Total despoilation of the lake is essentially post independence phenomenon and a direct result of unplanned industrialization and consequent urbanization. The past glory and beauty of lake could easily be comprehended from a poem written by the nightingale of India