Hyderabad: Hydraa Commissioner AV Ranganath participated in a festive kite-flying event held on Wednesday at Kukatpally’s Nallacheruvu lake. The event drew a cheerful crowd and rekindled memories of his youth.
Responding to an invitation from locals, the commissioner joined children and youth in flying kites near the restored water body. Speaking at the event, Ranganath recalled the stiff public opposition during the lake’s expansion in September 2024. He contrasted it with the current festive spirit. “This lake had shrunk to 16 acres due to encroachments. We have now restored it to 30 acres,” he said.
He added that ten feet of silt had been removed from the lakebed, significantly improving its water capacity and preventing flooding in surrounding areas. “We’ve demonstrated what true lake development looks like not just cosmetic work,” he remarked. Moreover, the upgraded lake now attracts visitors from as far as five kilometres for walking and leisure.
Facilities introduced include a shuttle court, community hall, yoga centre, cycling track, and pickleball court—all offered free to the public. Children thanked the commissioner during the event. During the same event, he distributed sweets to locals and participants.
Hydraa commissioner kite festival marks lake revival
Ranganath noted that six lakes had already been developed in Hydraa’s first phase, with the Batukamma Kunta inaugurated recently. Three more lakes are slated for launch in February. Additionally, the government has sanctioned the development of 14 more lakes across Hyderabad.
“If 100 lakes in the city are properly developed, it will drastically reduce urban flooding,” the commissioner said. He highlighted how previously polluted water bodies are being transformed into vibrant public spaces. This is boosting groundwater levels and improving access to clean water.
Residents of Kukatpally expressed their satisfaction with the lake’s transformation. “We never imagined the lake would be developed to this extent,” one local said. Others praised the elimination of foul smells. They credited the government for creating a pleasant environment conducive to health and community activities.
-నల్లచెరువులో పతంగిని ఎగరేసిన హైడ్రా కమిషనర్
-కూకట్పల్లిలో ఘనంగా కైట్ ఫెస్టివల్🪁కూకట్ పల్లి నల్ల చెరువులో బుధవారం పండగ వాతావరణం నెలకొంది. హైడ్రా కమిషనర్ శ్రీ ఏవీ రంగనాథ్ గారు పతంగులు ఎగురవేయడంతో అందరిలో జోష్ కనిపించింది. తన బాల్య, యవ్వన జీవితాన్ని గుర్తుకు తెచ్చుకొని… pic.twitter.com/4I11SfvqhH
— HYDRAA (@Comm_HYDRAA) January 14, 2026