HYDRAA to restore three Hyderabad lakes by December 9
HYDERABAD: Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has taken up the rejuvenation of encroached and polluted city lakes and plans to restore three of them by December 9.
In the first phase, works worth ₹58 crore are in progress at Bathukamma Kunta, Uppal Pedda Cheruvu, Kukatpally Nalla Cheruvu, Madhapur Thummidi Kunta, Sunnam Cheruvu and Bumbuk Dawala Cheruvu in the Old City.
Bathukamma Kunta has already been completed and inaugurated by chief minister Revanth Reddy. Work at Bumbuk Dawala, Kukatpally Nalla Cheruvu and Thummidi Kunta is advancing rapidly and expected to finish by December, while Uppal Pedda Cheruvu and Sunnam Cheruvu will be completed after December 9.
Delays and local objections
Hydraa officials faced hurdles at most lake sites. Work at Bathukamma Kunta was stalled for a few days due to a court case but resumed later after resolution.
At Bumbuk Dawala Cheruvu, some residents objected, claiming ownership of land within the lake boundary. Hydraa Commissioner Ranganath assured them that the eligible would receive Transferable Development Rights (TDR) through government coordination.
Resistance also surfaced during demolitions at Kukatpally Nalla Cheruvu and Thummidi Kunta, where encroachments were cleared before restoration began. Locals now appreciate the progress of the beautification works.
More lakes on the list
After completing the first six lakes, Hydraa plans to take up more across the city. The Commissioner has already met officials from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) and Irrigation Department to finalise the next phase.
GHMC intends to gradually hand over viable lakes from among the 185 within its limits. Some have already been developed under corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The civic body plans to prioritise lakes facing heavy encroachment to prevent further damage.
