Hyderabad: HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath said the agency was working to restore chain-linked lakes across Hyderabad to prevent urban flooding and improve groundwater levels.
Addressing the Way2News Conclave on Friday, the commissioner said Hyderabad once had 1,384 lakes. However, nearly 625 lakes had already disappeared, while many of the remaining water bodies faced encroachments.
He said HYDRAA aimed to protect existing lakes and trace missing lakes for restoration.
Lake restoration aimed at flood prevention
A.V. Ranganath said reconnecting chain-linked lakes would help control floods in Hyderabad.
He stated that lake and nala encroachments had become the main reason for urban flooding in the city.
The commissioner said the government aimed to create environmentally friendly urban spaces around lakes.
He also stressed the importance of protecting nature and maintaining environmental balance to prevent disasters caused by climate changes.
According to the commissioner, HYDRAA completed development works in six lakes during the first phase and started work on another 14 lakes.
Lake restoration projects include parks and walking tracks
A.V. Ranganath said the government planned to develop four major lakes with facilities similar to Tank Bund.
He stated that lake restoration projects included parks, greenery, open gyms, bunds and walking tracks for people of all age groups.
The commissioner said several polluted lakes were gradually transforming into tourist destinations.
He cited Bathukamma Kunta in Amberpet, Nallacheruvu in Kukatpally and Bam Rukn-ud-Daula Lake in the Old City as examples of restored lakes.
Lake restoration to improve groundwater levels
A.V. Ranganath said HYDRAA planned to restore and develop at least 1,300 lakes over the next 10 years.
He stated that the project would improve groundwater levels and support environmental protection across Hyderabad.
The commissioner also said HYDRAA had taken up large-scale restoration of flood canals.
He added that removal of encroachments along the Patny nala had improved floodwater flow and reduced flood risks for more than 20 colonies.
A.V. Ranganath said HYDRAA was working on both disaster management and environmental conservation initiatives in the city.
— గొలుసుకట్టు చెరువులతో వరదలకు కట్టడి
— భూగర్భ జలాల పెరుగుదలకూ దోహదమన్న హైడ్రా కమిషనర్✳️ “గొలుసుకట్టు చెరువులకు పెట్టింది పేరు మన హైదరాబాద్. లేక్సిటీగా పేరున్న ఈ మహానగరంలో మొత్తం 1384 చెరువులుంటే ఇందులో 625 చెరువుల జాడ కనిపించడంలేదు. ఉన్న 759… pic.twitter.com/GoLDJ6S9lk
— HYDRAA (@Comm_HYDRAA) May 15, 2026