Hyderabad lakes redeveloped by HYDRAA host kite festival
HYDERABAD: Lakes redeveloped by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) are increasingly becoming venues for public celebrations, drawing large crowds and favourable response from city residents.
From neglected waterbodies to festival venues
After hosting Bathukamma celebrations last year, Bathukamma Kunta in Amberpet marked a shift in how restored lakes are being used. In the new year, three more HYDRAA-developed lakes have been prepared as venues for the kite festival.
Thammidi Kunta in Madhapur, Nalla Cheruvu in Kukatpally and Bum-Rukn-Ud-Daula lake in the Old City are hosting kite festival events. Residents said the visible transformation of these lakes highlights the change brought about by HYDRAA’s interventions.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had earlier inaugurated Bathukamma Kunta and participated in Bathukamma celebrations there. The lake remained a focal point of festivities for a week.
Encroachments removed, lake capacity restored
Officials said nearly 60% of Hyderabad’s lakes had disappeared over time, while many of the remaining ones were heavily encroached upon and polluted with sewage, turning them into breeding grounds for mosquitoes and disease.
After HYDRAA’s intervention, sewage inflows were diverted, accumulated waste and silt were removed, and encroachments cleared. Thousands of truckloads of silt were excavated to restore water-holding capacity and strengthen flood mitigation.
Protective bunds and walking paths were developed around lakes located close to residential areas. Open spaces for children, walkers and fitness activities were created, converting once-inaccessible zones into recreational areas.
Kite festival from January 11
The three-day kite festival will begin on January 11 at the redeveloped lakes.
Thammidi Kunta in Madhapur, which had shrunk to 14 acres due to encroachments, has been expanded to 30 acres. Nalla Cheruvu in Kukatpally has also been expanded from 16 acres to 30 acres.
Bum-Rukn-Ud-Daula lake, which historically spread across 104 acres and served drinking water needs, had shrunk to just 4.12 acres over time. HYDRAA has now restored it to 17 acres.
Environmental experts who attended a recent global summit visited the restored lakes and expressed appreciation, stating that similar institutional mechanisms should be adopted across the country.
Of the six lakes taken up in the first phase, Bathukamma Kunta has already been inaugurated. Thammidi Kunta, Bum-Rukn-Ud-Daula lake and Nalla Cheruvu are now ready and hosting the kite festival. Sunna Cheruvu in Madhapur and Nalla Cheruvu in Uppal remain under development.
