81 acres of Nacharam Lake choked by hyacinth; HYDRAA orders immediate clean-up, restoration

Hyderabad: Efforts to restore Nacharam Lake have gathered momentum with HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath conducting a detailed field inspection on Tuesday.

The inspection was part of the agency’s second phase of lake rejuvenation works covering 14 water bodies across the city.

81.12 acres choked by water hyacinth

During his visit to Nacharam in Uppal mandal, the Commissioner observed that a significant portion of the 108.30-acre lake, nearly 81.12 acres, has been completely covered by water hyacinth, leaving little visible water surface.

He directed officials to immediately drain the polluted water and undertake complete desilting of the lake bed to restore its ecological balance.

Residents flag sewage inflow, mosquito menace

Locals met the Commissioner and urged authorities to expedite the restoration works. They highlighted severe mosquito problems caused by sewage inflow and the spread of hyacinth across the lake.

Residents also appealed to develop the lake on the lines of Bathukamma Kunta in Amberpet, Bum-Rukn-ud-Daula in the Old City and Nallacheruvu in Kukatpally, with proper amenities.

They further complained that despite the installation of a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in the past, untreated sewage continues to flow directly into the lake.

Canal diversion proposed to avoid spillover impact

Officials informed the Commissioner that excess water from Nacharam Lake flows into Uppal Nallacheruvu, which could delay ongoing development works there. They suggested diverting the canal near Uppal Nallacheruvu to facilitate immediate restoration work at Nacharam.

Residents expressed gratitude to the State government and HYDRAA for taking up the lake restoration project and assured full cooperation. The Commissioner was felicitated by locals during the visit.

Study conducted on flood risk in Meerzalguda

In a separate inspection, the HYDRA Commissioner, along with Additional Director Varla Papayya and Malkajgiri Zonal Commissioner Sanchit Gangwar, visited Meerzalguda and Chinmayi Marg areas under Malkajgiri limits to assess recurring flood issues.

The visit followed complaints from residents about severe inundation during the monsoon due to heavy inflows from upstream areas.

Officials identified that drainage channels have narrowed, obstructing the smooth flow of floodwaters.

Residents pointed out that floodwaters from Mahendra Hills pass through the area, but the existing drainage channel, with a width of just one metre, is insufficient to handle the volume. They urged authorities to widen Chinmayi Marg and improve drainage infrastructure.

The Commissioner directed officials to examine whether the existing underground drainage canal should be expanded or if a parallel channel should be constructed.

He assured residents that necessary works would be taken up and sought public cooperation to ensure timely completion.