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Hyderabad Lake Transformed from Dumping Ground to Scenic Oasis
22 Aug
Summary
- Nalla Cheruvu lake restored to 28 acres from debris and encroachments
- Lake now attracts residents for boating, walking, and recreation
- Part of government's mission to revive lakes for flood mitigation and groundwater recharge

As of August 22nd, 2025, the Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has successfully restored the Nalla Cheruvu lake in Kukatpally to its former glory. Just 4 months ago, the 28-acre lake was choked with debris and encroachments, but HYDRAA's efforts have transformed it into a scenic water body filled with rainwater.
The lake, which had previously been reduced to just 16 acres due to illegal settlements, has now been cleared of 16 shacks and decades of silt and construction waste. It has been deepened by 4 meters and provided with new inlets and outlets to better control flooding in the surrounding colonies. The silt removed was used to create islands that will help sustain the lake's biodiversity.
According to HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, the project reflects the government's mission to link and revive lakes across the city to mitigate floods and recharge groundwater. The lake now features a 1.5 km pathway that accommodates nearly 600 daily walkers, and community halls and multipurpose facilities are being developed to turn it into a social and ecological hub for the local community.
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HYDRAA has already completed the revival of two other lakes, Bathukamma Kunta and Nalla Cheruvu, and has 4 more lakes in the pipeline, with plans to take on 13 additional lakes after that. This ambitious lake restoration program aims to transform Hyderabad's water bodies and improve the city's resilience to flooding and water scarcity.