Hyderabad: A festive mood filled Nallacheruvu in Kukatpally on Wednesday. A V Ranganath, Commissioner of the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency (HYDRA), joined a kite festival to mark the revival of the lake. He also flew kites with children and local youth.
After residents invited him, Ranganath attended the festival near Nallacheruvu. While recalling his childhood, he actively joined youngsters in flying kites. As a result, the event drew enthusiastic participation from the community.
While addressing the gathering, Ranganath said lake expansion works began in September 2024 amid strong protests. However, he said the area has now turned into a lively public space. Earlier, encroachments had reduced the lake to nearly 16 acres. Now, the expansion has increased it to about 30 acres.
Nallacheruvu lake revival improves flood control and public spaces
Ranganath said officials cleared waste from the lake bed up to a depth of nearly 10 feet. He explained that the increased depth has helped control flooding in nearby localities. Meanwhile, HYDRA has already developed six lakes in the first phase. These include Bathukamma Kunta, which authorities have inaugurated.
He added that officials are preparing to inaugurate three more lakes in February. In addition, the government has directed the development of 14 more lakes, with works set to begin soon. According to him, restoring 100 lakes across the city can largely solve Hyderabad’s flooding issues.
Ranganath stressed that lake restoration must go beyond cosmetic beautification. Therefore, HYDRA has focused on functional and sustainable ecosystems. He said the lake now offers a pleasant environment, while beautification works continue.
He also expressed happiness that residents visit the lake from as far as five kilometres away for walks. Moreover, authorities are providing facilities such as a shuttle court, community hall, yoga centre, cycling track, pickleball court, and other sports amenities free of cost.
Finally, Ranganath said lake restoration helps recharge groundwater and improve water availability. Residents said they never expected such transformation. They thanked HYDRA and the government for removing foul conditions. Children and locals also thanked the Commissioner, who distributed sweets during the event.
