HYDRA Commissioner AV Ranganath officially launched the restoration works of Nallagandla Lake in Ramachandrapuram Mandal of Sangareddy District on Friday, marking a significant step toward lake conservation in the region. The restoration began after special prayers, with local farmers actively participating in the initiative by voluntarily donating their land for the lake’s development.
The Nallagandla Lake spans 90 acres, of which 70 acres consist of patta lands owned by farmers. Since these lands fall within the Full Tank Level (FTL) limits, the farmers have come forward to support the complete development of the lake. They had earlier submitted a petition to HYDRA with collective signatures expressing their willingness to cooperate. During the launch event, the farmers requested the Commissioner to ensure that the government provides compensation under Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) for their contribution.
The farmers also highlighted the presence of an ancient Ammavari Temple located on the lake bund. They appealed to Commissioner AV Ranganath to allocate additional space around the temple to facilitate religious activities and pujas. HYDRA Additional Director Varla Papayya, along with Additional Commissioner D. Anandkumar and ACPs Puppala Tirumala and Srikanth, participated in the program and offered various suggestions regarding the development works planned around the lake.
With encroachments removed, an additional 13 acres have been reclaimed, bringing the total development area to 103 acres, including the FTL and buffer zones. Yunus, Director of VIMOS Technocrats, the agency overseeing the lake development works, explained the comprehensive plan to Commissioner Ranganath. The plan includes developing proper inlets to channel heavy floodwater from the nearby Central University into the lake, ensuring a green environment around the water body, and excavating the lake deeper to enhance water storage capacity beyond just removing silt buildup.
The HYDRA team commended the farmers for their voluntary cooperation and assured them that efforts would be made to expedite the TDR process. Officials also promised to allocate the necessary space for the Ammavari Temple on the lake bund as requested by the local community. Residents from nearby apartments attended the event in large numbers and expressed their appreciation for HYDRA’s lake protection initiatives.
During the occasion, Commissioner AV Ranganath directed officials to implement measures that would transform the lake surroundings into a recreational area for the community. The restoration project aims to develop proper inlets and outlets while creating attractions around the lake to make it an enjoyable destination for local residents.
