HYDRAA steps up restoration of Pragathi Nagar lake, erects 1.5-km fence to stop dumping
Acting on complaints from locals, HYDRAA removed foul-smelling animal waste that had accumulated along the road passing through the middle of the lake.
By Sistla Dakshina Murthy
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has intensified restoration efforts at Pragathi Nagar (Ambir) Lake.
The team cleared massive garbage heaps and erected a 1.5-kilometre-long protective fence to prevent further dumping of waste into the water body.
145 truckloads of garbage
Acting on complaints from locals, HYDRAA removed foul-smelling animal waste that had accumulated along the road passing through the middle of the lake.
Officials cleared nearly 145 truckloads of garbage, significantly reducing the stench and improving the surroundings.
10-metre-high fencing to curb waste dumping
Residents had reported that chicken, meat and fish vendors, along with nearby shopkeepers, were dumping animal waste along the roadside, which eventually found its way into the lake. The indiscriminate dumping caused severe odour and environmental concerns.
Following instructions from HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath, officials not only cleared the accumulated waste but also identified alternative locations for vendors and ensured the vacating of the dumping spots.
To prevent further littering, HYDRAA installed a 10-metre-high fence along a 1.5-km stretch of the road cutting across the lake, effectively blocking access for dumping waste into the water body.
Encroachment removal eases traffic
The road connecting Kukatpally and Pragathi Nagar, which runs through the lake, had long suffered from encroachments on both sides.
With these encroachments removed, lakhs of residents in the surrounding areas have expressed relief, noting smoother traffic movement and reduced congestion.
Locals also welcomed the removal of garbage mounds along the busy stretch, saying it has considerably reduced foul smells and improved public hygiene.
Residents seek comprehensive lake revival
Pragathi Nagar (Ambir) Lake, once known for its scenic beauty and the presence of migratory birds, had deteriorated due to neglect, silt accumulation and sewage inflow.
Residents have urged HYDRAA to:
- Desilt the lake completely
- Prevent sewage inflow by diverting drains
- Establish Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs)
- Undertake full-scale beautification and ecological restoration
They appealed to authorities to restore the lake to its former glory, similar to other rejuvenated water bodies in the city.
HYDRAA officials indicated that further development and conservation works are expected to be taken up soon to ensure long-term protection of the lake.
