Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRA) is working on restoring Bum-Rukn-ud-Dowla Lake in the Old City.
AV Ranganath, the HYDRA commissioner, checked the progress of the lake’s development on Wednesday. After hearing about illegal soil dumping under the guise of HYDRA, he warned those responsible and promised the soil would be cleared in a week. He mentioned that legal steps would follow if the cleanup was delayed.
The commissioner highlighted that the lake, initially covering 18 acres, had reduced due to illegal encroachments, with 9 acres now filled with soil. HYDRA officials are actively clearing these areas to bring the lake back to its full size. Ranganath also looked into reopening the lake’s outlet to ensure better water flow, especially during the monsoon season.
During his visit, local residents shared their delight with the commissioner, calling the restored lake a treasure for the Old City. They proposed adding a park, children’s play area, and walking track around the lake. Ranganath showed interest in their suggestions.
Residents remembered the lake’s past issues with stagnant sewage and mosquito problems.
On the same day, Ranganath visited Bathukamma Kunta in Amberpet to check similar restoration efforts. Locals thanked him for reviving Bathukamma Kunta. He thoroughly inspected the inlet for rainwater flow and the outlets for excess water release.
Additionally, nearby sewerage and flood canal diversion projects were completed.
