HYDRAA is close to finishing the restoration of the Bum-Rukn-ud-Dowla Lake in Bahadurpura, an 18th-century water body that once provided water to the Nizams. The lake will open to the public after its December inauguration.
The lake covers 18.575 acres, with 8.915 acres of that being water. Built in 1770, the lake will soon offer a fresh, scenic spot for locals, blending historical charm with new features. The project includes improving the water, adding landscaping, walkways, and upgrading public facilities to boost its look and recreational use.
During restoration, HYDRAA removed illegal encroachments, including debris and unauthorized constructions that had reduced the lake’s Full Tank Level (FTL). The agency started a demolition drive on August 10, 2024, to clear these structures from the FTL and surrounding areas. They also desilted the lakebed, strengthened the bund, and cleared inlets for better water flow.
HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath emphasized the lake’s importance as part of a larger effort to revive Hyderabad’s water bodies and heritage. “This lake symbolizes our city’s history. Restoring it will make it a safe, clean, and enjoyable place for families and visitors,” he stated.
HYDRAA reports that clearing is done, and beautification will start soon. The lake will have landscaped walking paths and serve as both a heritage site and a public recreation area. This is HYDRAA’s first major lake restoration project.
Following complaints via the Prajavani platform, Commissioner Ranganath conducted a thorough field inspection, spending nearly 10 hours examining areas under the Thumkunta Municipality and Serilingampally mandal for lake and nala encroachments.
He checked encroachments on the flood canal linking Turkavani Kunta and Devarayanchal Cheruvu. Residents noted illegal structures had narrowed the canal, causing severe flooding in nearby colonies. Ranganath, using land records, Survey of India, and NRSC maps, instructed officials to uncover the canal’s original width and remove encroachments to restore its flow.
In Thumkunta village, Ranganath visited Vasavi Suchir India layout, finding parts of the nala encroached. The flood channel connecting Devarayanchal, Pothaipally, and Gundlakunta lakes shrank from nine meters to two meters in some areas. He directed municipal authorities to fix these issues.
At Nallagandla Pedda Cheruvu, Ranganath found encroachments at the lake’s inlet and outlet. Locals claimed the flood channel’s course was altered and bunds built by Aparna Constructions. Ranganath promised a review with irrigation, HMDA, and municipal officials.
He also inspected encroachments at both small and large lakes in Gopanpally.
HYDRAA Additional Commissioner N Ashok Kumar, Additional Director Varla Papayya, and senior officers joined Commissioner Ranganath on the inspection tour.
