Operation Amber Cheruvu: HYDRAA removes 104 truckloads of garbage to revive Pragathi Nagar lake

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has launched an intensive clean-up and restoration drive at Pragathi Nagar’s Amber Cheruvu, removing 104 lorry-loads of garbage so far as part of Operation Amber Cheruvu.

The initiative aims to revive the heavily polluted urban lake that had turned into a dumping ground due to unchecked urbanisation.

Once known as a vital water source supporting local ecology, the lake had lost its identity after being choked with solid waste, including chicken, meat and fish remnants, resulting in foul odour and severe inconvenience to nearby residents.

Residents’ complaint sparks action

Concerned locals, along with representatives of For a Better Society, brought the issue to the notice of HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath during Praja Vani and submitted a formal complaint.

Acting on the directions of the Commissioner, HYDRAA officials conducted an on-ground inspection and immediately commenced restoration works.

As part of enforcement, HYDRAA teams also seized four vehicles that were caught dumping chicken waste into the lake.

Clean-up continues despite holidays

Demonstrating urgency, the agency continued operations even during Christmas and weekend holidays. The clean-up is being carried out with five to six lorries and three JCBs deployed daily.

Officials said that while 104 lorry-loads of waste have already been removed, another 100 lorry-loads or more are still piled up along the lake bunds.

Garbage has accumulated heavily on both sides of the road passing through the lake and connecting Kukatpally and Pragathi Nagar, necessitating complete clearance of the stretch.

Coordination with GHMC, revenue officials

HYDRAA is coordinating with GHMC and Revenue departments to ensure smooth execution of the operation. Officials are holding discussions with small vendors operating along the lake road and are working towards relocating them to alternative sites to avoid livelihood disruption.

After complete removal of waste, authorities plan to erect fencing around the lake to prevent future dumping and encroachments.

Community support for lake revival

Residents of Pragathi Nagar, Nizampet and Kukatpally have extended support to HYDRAA’s efforts, recalling the lake’s earlier clean and pleasant environment. They have urged civic authorities to permanently stop the inflow of untreated sewage into the lake.

The locals have also demanded that wastewater be diverted to Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) so that only treated water enters the lake, ensuring its long-term ecological revival.

Focus on sustainable restoration

Officials said Operation Amber Cheruvu is aimed not only at clearing accumulated waste but also at ensuring sustained protection of the lake through fencing, enforcement and community participation, marking a renewed push to safeguard Hyderabad’s urban water bodies.