Serene lake to garbage dump: HYDRAA steps in to clean up Amber Cheruvu in Pragathi Nagar

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has launched an extensive drive to clean up Pragathi Nagar (Amber) Lake, which had been converted into a dumping ground due to unchecked waste disposal.

Once known for its serene atmosphere, chirping birds, and migratory visitors, the lake had turned foul-smelling and heavily polluted over the years. Acting on persistent appeals from residents and civic groups, HYDRAA stepped in to restore the lake and prevent further degradation.

Animal waste dumping triggers Action Near Amber Cheruvu

Following complaints from residents of Pragati Nagar and Nizampet, HYDRAA has stepped in to address the illegal dumping of chicken and animal waste along the Nizampet–Pragati Nagar road abutting Amber Cheruvu, said HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath.

Locals alleged that roadside chicken, meat, and fish shops were discarding waste directly onto the lake shore, causing foul smell and further polluting the already deteriorating water body.

Acting on the complaint, HYDRAA cleared animal waste and remnants from the lake’s edge and announced plans to fence the vulnerable stretch to prevent future dumping.

The agency also said it would explore relocating the meat-selling shops to a nearby designated area, in coordination with residents and public associations, to safeguard the lake from further damage.

Massive waste removal underway

HYDRAA began removing accumulated garbage from the lake on Monday. Officials said nearly 30 truckloads of waste have already been cleared, with another 30 truckloads expected to be removed over the next one or two days.

The waste, which had piled up on both sides of the road passing through the lake area and connecting Kukatpally with Pragathi Nagar, had become a major environmental and public health concern.

Fencing planned to prevent future dumping

To ensure long-term protection, HYDRAA has decided to install fencing along both sides of the road cutting through the lake. The move aims to prevent indiscriminate dumping of garbage in the future and safeguard the lake from further encroachments.

Officials said the fencing work would commence soon after the waste clearance is completed.

Residents join hands with HYDRAA

Spread over approximately 169 acres, Pragathi Nagar Lake has long been an integral part of the local ecosystem. Residents, who once enjoyed the lake’s clean surroundings, expressed anguish over its deteriorating condition.

Members of For A Better Society, along with residents, have been actively campaigning for the lake’s protection. They approached HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath sought urgent intervention to save the lake from pollution and encroachments.

Responding to their request, HYDRAA intensified surveillance in the area, particularly to prevent the dumping of non-vegetarian waste into the lake.

Vigilance tightened, cases booked

As part of enforcement measures, HYDRAA officials intercepted four vehicles dumping waste illegally and registered cases against them. Continuous monitoring has been put in place to deter repeat violations.

Residents and civil society representatives actively participated in the clean-up drive alongside HYDRAA personnel, welcoming the agency’s swift action.

Hope for a cleaner, greener lake

Residents expressed optimism that the lake would soon regain its lost charm. “In a few days, we expect to see a visibly cleaner and healthier environment here,” they said, lauding HYDRAA’s intervention.

With the clean-up drive, fencing plans, and community participation, Pragathi Nagar Lake is now on a path toward revival, offering hope for sustainable urban water body management in Hyderabad.