Sunnam Cheruvu restoration nears completion after encroachment battles
HYDERABAD: Restoration work at Sunnam Cheruvu in Guttala Begumpet, near Ayyappa Society, is nearing completion, with the lake being developed into a 30-acre water body from what had largely become a sewage and garbage dump.
The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) faced resistance from some locals when it removed encroachments from the lake bed in September 2024. The restoration work also faced legal challenges and court cases.
HYDRAA restores lake after removing encroachments
The agency has since cleared encroachments and undertaken works to revive the water body. Recent reports put the restored lake area at about 30.5 acres, while official records cited by HYDRAA have placed the lake’s historical extent at more than 30 acres.
The lake is located between Guttala Begumpet and Allapur. The Telangana High Court has also directed authorities to survey and earmark the Full Tank Level (FTL) of Sunnam Cheruvu before taking further action in disputed properties.
PCB tests flagged heavy metals in groundwater
During the restoration process, HYDRAA found unauthorised borewells near the lake being used by private tanker operators. The water was reportedly supplied to hostels, paying guest accommodation and other establishments in Madhapur.
Water samples tested through the Telangana Pollution Control Board showed heavy-metal contamination. Lead levels were reported at up to 12 times the permissible limit, while nickel was also found above the prescribed limit. The PCB report cited serious health risks from exposure to the contaminants.
HYDRAA subsequently acted against the unauthorised borewells and tanker operations. The agency also filed cases against operators, according to reports.
Residents already using restored lake for walks
The restored lake has begun attracting residents from the surrounding mixed neighbourhood, where affluent residential areas exist alongside middle-class colonies and bastis.
Thousands of people, including women and children, have already started using the lake surroundings for walking and other recreational activities.
The lake is likely to be inaugurated by Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy by the end of September, according to the information provided.
The restoration of Sunnam Cheruvu marks a major transformation of a heavily degraded urban water body. Despite resistance, legal disputes and other hurdles, HYDRAA has proceeded with the project with government support.
