Hyderabad: MoHUA team hails HYDRAA's Bathukamma Kunta rejuvenation; calls it `model for lake restoration'

Hyderabad: A team from the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) declared the rejuvenated Bathukamma Kunta at Amberpet a model for lake restoration across India.

The delegation, led by Additional Chief Town Planner Monis Khan, toured the lake precinct and reviewed the transformation brought about by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA).

From dump yard to restored lake

Once filled with garbage and construction debris, Bathukamma Kunta today stands as a thriving water body. The visiting officials were shown archival photographs highlighting its earlier condition, which left them visibly surprised.

“This transformation is remarkable. Bathukamma Kunta can serve as a national case study for lake rejuvenation,” said Monis Khan. The team acknowledged the phased and scientific approach adopted by HYDRAA in reviving the lake, turning a neglected dump yard into an ecological asset.

Rainwater harvesting and flood diversion praised

A key aspect of the rejuvenation that impressed the central officials was the design of an exclusive inlet that channels only rainwater, and not sewage, into the lake from the adjacent stormwater drain.

During the visit, HYDRAA officials presented video footage showing how recent flood waters were efficiently redirected into the lake during heavy rains.

The delegation also interacted with residents, who testified that the new system had significantly reduced flooding in their colonies. In previous years, these flood waters would inundate their homes and streets, but now they are being stored in the lake.

Summer surprise: Groundwater recharge evident

Officials were particularly struck by the fact that even during peak summer, excavation up to just two metres was enough to bring groundwater to the surface, a sign of the water table revival. “Seeing is believing. We had read about HYDRAA’s work in reports, but this visit confirms the depth and impact of their efforts,” Khan added.

Further development and economic boost

The central team also reviewed pending developmental plans around the lake, including landscaping and public space enhancements. Officials noted that such rejuvenation efforts not only improve urban ecology but also lead to increased land value and better quality of life for local communities.

Multi-agency coordination applauded

The visit saw participation from key stakeholders, including MoHUA Associate Town Planner Sandeep Rao, HYDRAA officials Mohan Rao and Balagopal, P. Yunus (Managing Director, Vimos Technocrats overseeing the works), GHMC Additional Chief City Planner Pradeep Kumar, and City Planner Umadevi.

A model for cities nationwide

The Bathukamma Kunta transformation has emerged as a beacon of urban lake revival, combining engineering innovation, community participation, and ecological sensitivity. With central recognition now in place, Hyderabad’s model could inspire similar efforts in other Indian cities grappling with neglected water bodies and urban flooding.