Hyderabad: Pedda Kunta, a large and beautiful lake in the city, has been affected by the real estate boom in recent years. The lake, once known for its natural beauty, has seen much of its land taken over by high-rise buildings and residential complexes. This development has changed the landscape of the area, which was once rich with natural scenery.
In 2014, the Full Tank Level (FTL) of the lake was fixed at 33.26 acres. However, the water spread area has now reduced to just 5.8 acres. The lake has shrunk significantly because many of the natural water channels feeding it were cut off over the years. The lake is home to various bird species and aquatic animals, and it serves as a recreational space for local residents.
Locals have raised concerns about the diversion of natural channels, but their complaints to authorities have gone unheard for the last decade. Many believe that the current FTL, identified in 2014, is smaller than the lake’s original size. Nevertheless, people who can afford to buy flats in the high-rise buildings continue to invest in the properties, even though these developments may cause future problems as part of the ongoing HYDRA campaign.
The lake’s FTL and buffer zone were officially notified in 2014. Pedda Kunta is recognized by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) as a water body of critical importance, listed under lake ID 2821. It was prioritized for developing its surrounding areas into recreational zones. Over the years, the lake has remained important for various reasons, including groundwater recharge, providing green space for the city’s growing population, maintaining ecological balance, and preserving the unique lake ecosystem in the region.
