Lake revival drive: HYDRAA pushes to complete first phase by year-end

Hyderabad: HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath has directed officials to accelerate restoration works of city lakes, stressing that the first phase covering six lakes must be completed on priority.

He said rejuvenated lakes will not only regulate floodwaters and prevent sewage contamination but also provide much-needed community spaces for residents.

Key lakes under restoration

As part of the first phase, the Hyderabad Lakes & Water Bodies Management Authority (HYDRAA) is restoring six vital lakes — Bum-Rukn-ud-Daula in Shivrampally, Thammidi Kunta in Madhapur, Sunnam Cheruvu in Guttala Begumpet, Nalla Cheruvu in Kukatpally, Nalla/Pedda Cheruvu in Uppal, and Bathukamma Kunta in Amberpet.

Inspections are underway at each site. At Sunnam Cheruvu, the Commissioner reviewed debris clearance and ordered the creation of proper inlets to allow smooth inflow of floodwater.

He said inlet and sewage diversion works must be completed urgently, particularly in view of resident complaints about upstream waterlogging.

Progress and pending works

Of the six lakes, restoration at Kukatpally’s Nalla Cheruvu and Amberpet’s Bathukamma Kunta is nearly complete. Ranganath has directed that the remaining works be wrapped up by the end of the year.

He also ordered faster progress at Bum-Rukn-ud-Daula Lake, with a focus on building effective inlets for rainwater flow. Earlier inspections were carried out at Bathukamma Kunta in Amberpet and Bamruknuddoula Lake in the Old City.

CSR contributions put to use

The Commissioner underscored the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds being used effectively.

At Mushki Cheruvu in Narsingi, developed under a CSR initiative of a real estate firm, he instructed officials to clear soil dumped within the Full Tank Level (FTL) zone without delay.

He warned that HYDRAA’s own machinery would be pressed into service if required.

Local residents urged the Commissioner to ensure full-scale restoration, prevent sewage inflows, plant greenery along the bund, and develop a park for the benefit of nearby residential colonies.

Bathukamma Kunta to be ready for festivities

With Bathukamma celebrations set to begin on September 21, Ranganath directed officials to complete beautification and seating arrangements at Bathukamma Kunta on a war footing. He said the lake must be ready to host the large gatherings expected during the festival.