What is the Bam Rukn-ud-Dowlah lake in Hyderabad?

The Bam Rukn-ud-Dowlah lake is a historic water body in Hyderabad, India, that was constructed in 1770 during the reign of Nizam Ali Khan (Asaf Jah II).

How did the Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) help revive the Bam Rukn-ud-Dowlah lake?

HYDRAA demolished illegal multi-story structures that had been built on the lake bed, cleared over 233 acres of encroached land, and undertaken extensive restoration efforts like de-silting, sewage diversion, and enhancing the lake's capacity.

What is the current status of the Bam Rukn-ud-Dowlah lake restoration project?

As of November 2025, HYDRAA's restoration efforts have increased the lake's capacity from 8 million liters to 108 million liters, and three of the six lakes taken up by the agency, including Bam Rukn-ud-Dowlah, are expected to be opened to the public by the end of the year.

Home / Environment / Hyderabad's Centuries-Old Lake Revived: HYDRAA Battles Encroachment to Preserve History

Hyderabad's Centuries-Old Lake Revived: HYDRAA Battles Encroachment to Preserve History

14 Nov

•

Summary

Bam Rukn-ud-Dowlah lake, dating back to 1770, was threatened by encroachment
HYDRAA agency demolished illegal structures and restored the lake's capacity
Restoration efforts include de-silting, sewage diversion, and enhancing groundwater recharge

Hyderabad's Centuries-Old Lake Revived: HYDRAA Battles Encroachment to Preserve History

As of November 14, 2025, the Bam Rukn-ud-Dowlah lake in Hyderabad has been revived after facing years of encroachment and neglect. The lake, which dates back to 1770 when it was constructed by Nawab Musa Khan Rukn-ud-Dowlah, had endured the full fury of illegal construction and sewage discharge, threatening to erase its historical legacy.

However, the Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has stepped in to reclaim the lake. In August 2024, HYDRAA demolished multi-story structures that had been illegally built on the lake bed, clearing over 233 acres of encroached land across 39 lakes in the city.