Hyderabad lakes restoration: Karnataka team calls HYDRAA model blueprint for Bengaluru
The visiting team inspected several lakes restored by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA)
By - Sistla Dakshina Murthy
A delegation from Karnataka after inspecting the Bathukamma Kunta lake in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: A delegation from Karnataka on Wednesday termed Hyderabad’s lake restoration drive by HYDRAA a model fit for replication in Bengaluru and other major cities, after witnessing the rapid transformation of encroached water bodies.
Tour of rejuvenated lakes
The visiting team inspected several lakes restored by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), including Bathukamma kunta, Nallacheruvu at Kukatpally and other water bodies revived in the first phase of the programme.
The delegation consisted of a former Bengaluru mayor, senior officials involved in lake conservation, contractors and members of the Solid Waste Management technical wing.
Discussion with HYDRAA commissioner
Later, the delegation met HYDRAA commissioner AV Ranganath at the agency’s office and sought detailed information on the challenges faced during encroachment removal and lake restoration.
The commissioner explained the execution strategies, inter-departmental coordination and monitoring mechanisms adopted to ensure time-bound results.
From neglect to scenic transformation
Referring specifically to Bathukamma kunta, the visitors said the lake was earlier engulfed by illegal constructions and thick thorny vegetation.
Comparing old photographs and video footage with the present condition, they described the transformation as striking and exemplary.
Locals informed the delegation that despite heavy rainfall during this monsoon, no flooding occurred in the surrounding colonies, reflecting the effectiveness of scientific lake restoration.
Urban and environmental benefits noted
The Karnataka team observed that similar positive results in flood mitigation, water storage, and environmental improvement were evident at other restored lakes as well. They noted that groundwater recharge and local ecological balance had shown visible improvement.
A blueprint for metro cities
Praising the speed and effectiveness of HYDRAA’s operations within a short time frame, the delegation stated that Hyderabad has demonstrated how long-neglected and encroached urban lakes can be successfully reclaimed and revived with strong administrative resolve and technical planning.
