Ground Report: How HYDRAA turned Kukatpally Nalla Cheruvu into a public green hub

Hyderabad: Long-time residents living around Kukatpally Nalla Cheruvu have welcomed the dramatic transformation of the once-neglected water body, saying the restoration has not only revived the lake but also improved the quality of life in the locality.

Lake area was unlivable for years

When NewsMeter conducted a ground-level inspection recently near the lake, the residents recalled how water hyacinth, foul odour, encroachments and stray animals had made the area unlivable for years.

Ch. Arjuna Rao, who has lived near the lake for nearly four decades, said, “For a long time, even completing half a round during my morning walk was impossible,” he said.

According to him, the situation began changing only after HYDRAA took up focused restoration works, introducing fencing, walking tracks and improvements to the bund area. “Today, the lake premises are accessible, clean and welcoming,” he added.

Large-scale desilting and excavation helped

Another resident, K Parasarthy, echoed similar views, saying that persistent encroachments earlier made walking along the bund extremely difficult. He noted that large-scale desilting and excavation had significantly improved the lake’s depth, capacity and surroundings.

“This is an initiative beyond our expectations and will stand out as a milestone in Hyderabad’s urban restoration,” he said, adding that the revived lake would help address water scarcity and serve as a shared space for people from all walks of life.

HYDRAA chief explains the lake’s rejuvenation process

HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath said the rejuvenation drive began with the removal of long-standing encroachments.

The lake’s area was expanded from 14 acres to 27.14 acres after clearing nearly 14 acres of illegally occupied land, including cattle sheds and undocumented structures around the water body.

Large-scale desilting was undertaken, with about 2.4 cubic metres of silt and debris removed to deepen the lake and restore its natural contours, he added.

Storage capacity nearly tripled

Elaborating further, Ranganath said that following expansion and desilting, the lake’s water storage capacity increased substantially—from 70 million litres (ML) to 185 ML.

Authorities said this enhancement would strengthen groundwater recharge and improve the lake’s role in mitigating urban flooding.

Improved water flow management

To address stagnation and overflow issues, eight inlets and two outlets were constructed. Earlier, the lake lacked formal outlets, which contributed to waterlogging and pollution, the HYDRAA Commissioner said.

Sewage diversion to curb pollution

A major concern for residents over the years was untreated sewage entering the lake. To tackle this, an 800-metre-long sewage diversion drain was completed, preventing wastewater inflow and restoring water quality.

Focus on ecology and green cover

Environmental conservation formed a key component of the project.

Works included the development of a two-acre park, creation of a biodiversity zone with bird-attracting plant species, plantation of medicinal plants, fruit-bearing and flowering trees and the introduction of high oxygen-generating tree varieties.

Recreation and fitness facilities

The rejuvenated lakefront has been developed as a multi-utility recreational space for residents. Facilities include a 1.5-km walking and cycling track, an ultra-modern gym, adventure activity zones, badminton and pickleball courts and boating facilities.

Safety and visitor amenities

To ensure safety and convenience, authorities provided fencing along the water body and outer boundary, security rooms, restrooms and designated food stalls within the premises.

Visiting hours

The lake is open daily to the public:

Morning: 5 am to 10 am

Evening: 4 pm to 8 pm.