Hyderabad: HYDRAA lake restoration expanded Uppal Nalla Cheruvu from 52.30 acres to 67.31 acres after removing encroachments and improving the water body. HYDRAA also developed a 2.4-km bund and walking track around the lake, with preparations underway to open it by month-end.
The restoration changed the condition of Nalla Cheruvu, which had earlier accumulated garbage, sewage, plastic waste and vegetation. HYDRAA developed the lake as a recreational space while restoring its water-holding area. The agency also planned facilities for exercise, children and visitors of different age groups.
Three lakes had already opened after development. Meanwhile, another three lakes were being prepared for inauguration by the end of the month. Encroachments had reduced Uppal Nalla Cheruvu to 52.30 acres. Following restoration and removal of encroachments, HYDRAA expanded the lake area to 67.31 acres.
The agency developed a 2.4-km bund around the water body. In addition, it provided a walking track along the lake. HYDRAA also started installing gazebos and seating facilities around the lake. These facilities were intended to provide recreational space for people across age groups.
Moreover, officials developed inlets to allow stormwater to enter the lake more easily. They also improved the outlet to reduce flood threats to surrounding areas after the lake reached full capacity.
HYDRAA took action against encroachments around the lake without making any relaxations during the restoration process.
HYDRAA lake restoration works inspected in Madhapur
HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath inspected development works at Thammidikunta and Sunnam Cheruvu in Madhapur on Saturday. At Thammidikunta, HYDRAA removed accumulated biological waste and sewage. The agency also carried out development work to remove traces of the lake’s earlier polluted condition.
During the inspection, officials identified plastic waste collection and segregation units towards the Metal Charminar side of the lake. The Pollution Control Board had already warned that those units posed a pollution threat to Thammidikunta.
Therefore, Ranganath directed officials to immediately remove the plastic waste collection and segregation centres from the area. Ranganath also inspected the surroundings of Sunnam Cheruvu.
He directed officials to develop a viewpoint on the rocky area adjoining the lake. Additionally, he sought more greenery around the water body. The Commissioner said the surroundings should provide a pleasant environment for visitors.
The works formed part of the broader effort to transform polluted and neglected lakes into restored water bodies and recreational spaces. HYDRAA had removed accumulated plastic waste, garbage and sewage from lakes undergoing restoration. It also developed facilities intended for walking, exercise and recreation.
HYDRAA lake restoration targets Krishna Kanth Park flooding
Before visiting the Madhapur lakes, Ranganath inspected Krishna Kanth Park. The Krishna Kanth Park lake was among 14 water bodies selected for the second phase of restoration. Ranganath said increasing the lake’s depth and area could substantially improve its capacity to control flooding.
He said direct movement of stormwater into the lake could reduce inundation risks in Krishna Nagar and Yousufguda. Furthermore, he said improved lake capacity could protect Srinivasa Nagar and Ameerpet, located downstream, from flooding.
The inspection focused on increasing the water body’s ability to receive and retain stormwater during heavy inflows. Meanwhile, Uppal Nalla Cheruvu moved closer to opening after its expansion and development. HYDRAA prepared the restored lake for inauguration by the end of the month.
The HYDRAA lake restoration works combined removal of encroachments and waste with improvements to stormwater management and public recreation facilities.