HYDRAA to revive Saroor Nagar Lake in a year; focus on sewage control, creating green spaces
The project, to be undertaken after obtaining government approvals, is expected to begin by March and be completed within a year.
By - Sistla Dakshina Murthy
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) will take up the comprehensive restoration of Saroor Nagar Lake,
The agency will transform the lake into a key urban asset for flood management, environmental protection and public recreation, HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath announced on Wednesday.
Lake restoration to start by March
The project, to be undertaken after obtaining government approvals, is expected to begin by March and be completed within a year.
The initiative is in line with the State Government’s directive to rejuvenate major lakes across Hyderabad, as emphasised by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy.
‘Surrounding residences won’t be disturbed’
Commissioner Ranganath clarified that the restoration would not involve disturbing existing residential areas around the lake. Of the original lake spread of over 140 acres, development will be limited to the remaining 90+ acres currently available.
“Lake rejuvenation is not about cosmetic beautification,” he said, pointing to HYDRAA’s earlier restoration works at Bathukamma Kunta, Bam Rukn-ud-Daula Lake and Kukatpally Nalla Cheruvu as benchmarks for scientific and sustainable development.
Desilting to improve water storage and groundwater
As part of the restoration, 10 to 15 feet of silt will be removed from the lakebed to increase water-holding capacity and facilitate groundwater recharge. Proper inlet and outlet channels will be ensured to maintain natural water flow.
A major objective of the project is to strengthen flood-control mechanisms, making Saroor Nagar Lake an effective buffer during heavy rains and urban flooding.
Sewage control and water quality improvement
To prevent sewage contamination, HYDRAA will work in coordination with the Water Board to ensure that untreated wastewater does not enter the lake.
The capacity of nearby Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) will be enhanced to maintain water quality and eliminate foul odour.
With the inflow of clean water, officials expect a significant improvement in the lake’s ecological health and the surrounding environment.
Green spaces and public amenities planned
The restoration plan includes large-scale planting of medicinal and native plant species around the lake. Existing parks, including Indira Priyadarshini Park, will be upgraded, and new green spaces will be developed.
Residents can look forward to:
- A strengthened lake bund
- Walking and jogging tracks
- Children’s play zones and sports parks
- Open gyms for all age groups
These amenities aim to make the lake a vibrant public space while preserving its ecological balance.
Local representatives welcome the initiative
Corporators from Lingoji Guda and Gaddi Annaram expressed happiness over the Commissioner’s field inspection and assured public support for the project. They stated that HYDRAA’s intervention would transform Saroor Nagar Lake into a model urban water body.
During the visit, Commissioner Ranganath was felicitated by local representatives. HYDRAA Additional Director Varlapapaiah, ACP Tirumal, and other officials accompanied him during the inspection.
