HYDRAA Restore Lakes in Hyderabad for Conservation

Bam-Rukn-ud-Daula and 5 other lakes set for restoration in Hyderabad

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Mohammed Rayees 19 Feb 2025 12:03 PM

News in short:

HYDRAA, an agency tasked with protecting water bodies in Hyderabad, is shifting its focus to restoring several lakes across the city. They plan to rejuvenate five lakes: Nalla Cheruvu (Kukatpally), Nalla or Pedda Cheruvu (Uppal), Thammidi Kunta (Madhapur), Bam-Rukn-ud-Daula (Shivrampally), and Sunnam Cheruvu (Guttala Begumpet). The restoration process will begin with dewatering and desilting, with funding provided by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA). HYDRAA is also collaborating with Anand Malligavad, the "Lake Man of India," to employ his successful methods from Bengaluru, such as using native trees, bio-fencing, and solar-powered aeration systems. In addition, they have discovered a hidden water source while excavating Bathukamma Kunta in Amberpet. HYDRAA is aiming to protect these water bodies from sewage, improve groundwater levels, and prevent flooding during the rainy season.

Hyderabad: HYDRAA, which was established to protect water bodies, lakes, buffer zone, nalas and their illegal occupation under the Telangana Core Urban Region (TCUR), has now turned its focus on restoring lakes across Hyderabad.

Initially, the agency intends to rejuvenate these water bodies Nalla Cheruvu (Kukatpally), Nalla or Pedda Cheruvu (Uppal), Thammidi Kunta (Madhapur), Bam-Rukn-ud-Daula (Shivrampally) and Sunnam Cheruvu (Guttala Begumpet).

Explaining the process of restoration of these lakes HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath, said that they will start with dewatering and desilting the water bodies. He said that the officials have prepared the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) already and tenders would be issued soon to speed up the work.

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“Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) is funding the restoration of lakes,” HYDRAA Commissioner said.

In October 2024, Ranganath, along with the water conservationist nicknamed ‘Lake Man of India’ Anand Malligavad, inspected Bhakshikunta and Regulakunta ponds in Chandanagar division. The aim of the agency is to protect these water bodies from sewage, replenish groundwater levels and at the same time prevent flooding of localities during the rainy season.

Bengaluru-based Malligavad’s foundation has revived a total of 35 lakes polluted by sewage as freshwater ponds. It uses cost-effective and unique methods to restore lakes which include planting native trees along the banks of water bodies and involving local communities to create self-sustaining ecosystems.

HYDRAA has initiated a comprehensive project to rejuvenate six lakes across Hyderabad, including Bum-Rukn-ud-Daula in Shivrampally, Thammidi Kunta in Madhapur, Sunnam Cheruvu in Guttala Begumpet, Nalla Cheruvu in Kukatpally, and Nalla/Pedda Cheruvu in Uppal. In collaboration with… pic.twitter.com/f3ANmpQlmu

— Hyderabad Mail (@Hyderabad_Mail) February 19, 2025

HYDRAA is also planning to employ a similar revival method used in the successful restoration of Yelahanka and Jakkur lakes in Bengaluru. The agency will use aquatic and medicinal plants, bio-fencing and solar-powered aeration systems to restore the lake’s health.

Earlier, the agency undertook the excavation of Bathukamma Kunta in Amberpet for rejuvenation and discovered a hidden water source just four feet below the ground. The officials are now busy restoring the lake. The Commissioner dismissed the claims made on social media that the workers damaged underground pipelines during the excavation process.