Three rejuvenated lakes in Hyderabad will host the upcoming Kite Festival starting January 11, marking another milestone in the city’s urban restoration efforts. The lakes transformed by HYDRAA (Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency) include Thammidi Kunta in Madhapur, Nalla Cheruvu in Kukatpally, and Bum-Rukn-ud-Dowla Lake in the Old City.
The festival follows last year’s successful Bathukamma celebrations at Bathukamma Kunta in Amberpet, which demonstrated how restored water bodies can serve as vibrant community spaces for cultural events.
Thammidi Kunta has undergone significant expansion, growing from 14 acres to 30 acres after reclamation efforts. The lake, which had suffered from encroachments over the years, has been desilted and restored to its original glory.
Nalla Cheruvu in Kukatpally has also seen substantial expansion, increasing from 16 acres to 30 acres. The restoration work included removing encroachments and addressing pollution issues that had plagued the water body.
The most dramatic transformation occurred at Bum-Rukn-ud-Dowla Lake in the Old City, which expanded from just 4.12 acres to 17 acres. The historic lake had been severely impacted by encroachments and required extensive restoration work.
All three lakes underwent comprehensive desilting operations to improve water quality and storage capacity. The restoration efforts also included developing the surrounding areas into public spaces with walking paths and recreational facilities.
The lakes had previously been severely affected by illegal encroachments and pollution, reducing their size and ecological value. HYDRAA’s intervention focused on reclaiming these water bodies and restoring them to their original dimensions while creating sustainable urban spaces.
The Kite Festival will showcase the successful transformation of these once-neglected water bodies into vibrant community hubs. The event aims to promote awareness about urban lake conservation while providing citizens with recreational opportunities.
The restoration initiative reflects HYDRAA’s commitment to sustainable urban rejuvenation and improving the quality of life for Hyderabad residents. The agency has prioritized reclaiming public water bodies as part of broader environmental conservation efforts in the city.
