Hyderabad: Uppal Nalla Cheruvu has received heavy monsoon inflows after HYDRAA completed major restoration works. The project revived the lake, which had earlier suffered from pollution and encroachments.
The lake, once filled with plastic waste, now receives floodwaters through a redesigned drainage network. As a result, recent heavy rains filled the restored water body. The new system also prevented flooding in upstream localities.
HYDRAA created an integrated drainage system to separate sewage from stormwater. Meanwhile, a dedicated bypass channel now diverts sewage. Floodwaters flow directly into the lake through the improved network.
Uppal Nalla Cheruvu restoration improves flood management
HYDRAA removed more than 10 acres of encroachments and restored the lake’s spread to nearly 70 acres. Further, the agency is carrying out the comprehensive development project at an estimated cost of ₹20 crore.
Officials developed two new inlets to channel floodwaters from Nacharam Lake and nearby catchment areas. In addition, they built an improved outlet to discharge surplus water into the Musi River after the lake reaches full capacity.
The project also includes a walking track, a strengthened main bund, a children’s play area, an open gym and landscaped recreational spaces. Finally, HYDRAA said Uppal Nalla Cheruvu is one of the key lakes under its first phase of restoration. It expects the lake to emerge as a major urban water asset and a popular recreational destination for Hyderabad.