From dumping yard into clean lake: Amberpet locals celebrate restoration of Bathukamma Kunta

Hyderabad: Bathukamma Kunta in Amberpet turned into a hub of celebrations on Friday as children gathered to mark the transformation of the once-neglected dumping yard into a clean and pleasant lake.

Holding placards thanking HYDRAA, students from various schools formed a human chain around the lake, pledging to protect water bodies and conserve nature. Locals joined them in raising slogans of ‘HYDRAA Zindabad’ to express their support.

‘Bathukamma Kunta is a model for future restorations’: HYDRAA Commissioner

Speaking on the occasion, HYDRAA commissioner AV Ranganath described Bathukamma Kunta as a model for the restoration of hundreds of lakes in the future. He said the project reflected the government’s commitment to creating an environmentally friendly city.

“Clean lakes create pleasant surroundings. Saving Bathukamma Kunta from encroachments required immense effort,” he said. The commissioner explained that multiple departments, including Revenue, GHMC, Irrigation and HMDA, worked together to restore the lake.

He added that when excavation began, groundwater emerged, but some people falsely claimed drinking water pipelines were damaged. “Today, seeing this environment proves all such allegations wrong,” he said.

Ranganath also highlighted that chief minister Revanth Reddy is closely monitoring lake restorations and will visit Bathukamma Kunta for the festival celebrations on September 21.

‘Four-month completion is a national record’: collector

Hyderabad Collector Harichandan Dasari, recalling her tenure as GHMC zonal commissioner, said the area used to be a dumping yard. “Completing lake restoration in just four months is a record in the country’s history,” she said.

She praised HYDRAA for leaving behind vibrant lakes for future generations and urged restoration of city drains to uphold Hyderabad’s identity as the city of chain lakes.

‘Brings back childhood memories’: V Hanumantha Rao

Former MP and senior Congress leader V Hanumantha Rao said the restored Bathukamma Kunta reminded him of his childhood when he played Bathukamma and swam in the lake.

“I had requested the chief minister to develop this lake and approached HYDRAA for help. Today, seeing the happiness on children’s faces is heartening,” he said.

Rao emphasised that HYDRAA is not merely about demolitions but also about building the future, as evident in the revival of lakes.

He urged the government to restore all lakes, drains, and stormwater canals to ensure a safe and healthy living environment for Hyderabad’s residents.