Telangana Tourism’s ambitious dive into adventure sports at Hussain Sagar feels more like a leap of faith into some of the most polluted waters in Hyderabad. Jet skiing, canoeing, and kayaking might sound like fun, but only if you ignore the pungent smell of algae-laden sludge, the perennial water hyacinth or the very real possibility of an unplanned dip in these uninviting depths.
Imagine a thrill-seeker speeding on a jet ski, only to crash into another speeding vessel and get doused with a spray of Hussain Sagar’s aromatic waters. And for the truly adventurous, there’s always the possibility of capsizing into this murky cocktail of untreated sewage and industrial waste. It’s the kind of immersive experience they will never forget.
Kayaks in still waters
Kayaking through pristine, flowing waters is one thing. Paddling through stagnant, brownish-grey liquid, dodging plastic bags and the occasional dead fish, is a different ball game altogether. Adventurers might need more than life jackets. They will need hazmat suits and a strong constitution to survive the sights, smells, and slimy surprises lurking below.
Zorbing in clear water is like rolling in a bubble of joy. In Hussain Sagar? Let’s just say the bubble might be better at trapping the stench than protecting you from it. And when it rolls to a stop, don’t be surprised if you emerge as part of an unexpected new ecosystem.
The adventure we need
While the government celebrates its latest tourism boost, the floating debris in the lake remains untouched. Adventure sports on water bodies work best when those waters don’t double as waste disposal units. The Hussain Sagar revival should have been the real adventure here, long before jet skis hit the waves.
Until Hussain Sagar is truly rejuvenated, introducing water sports here seems like offering a meal on a dirty plate. Perhaps Telangana Tourism’s next initiative could be a Clean Hussain Sagar Challenge, where the real adventure is restoring this historic reservoir to its former glory. Now that’s an idea worth riding the wave for.