Kapra Lake in Hyderabad, once a vital source of drinking water for the Cantonment area, has drastically shrunk over the years. The lake, which originally covered 113 acres, now spans just 70 acres. This has left the lake almost dry, with only a small pond remaining in the middle. Despite heavy rainfall in recent years, the lake has not recovered, unlike other water bodies in the region.
One of the main reasons for the lake’s decline is that its inlets were damaged in 2019. These inlets were closed, and new sewage lines were installed to divert wastewater from nearby residential areas. As a result, rainwater, which previously flowed into the lake, is now blocked, leading to a significant drop in groundwater levels in the surrounding areas.
Another issue is that patta lands have been claimed within the Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zone of the lake. People who received these land rights over a decade ago have removed fencing on the western side of the lake, further contributing to its deterioration. In addition, a cycling track and an immersion pond were constructed near the lake’s bund, which has also impacted the lake’s ecosystem.
Members of the Kapra Revival team have tried to save the lake by organizing cleaning drives and following up with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). The GHMC had promised to address the issue with the inlets, but no action has been taken so far. The Irrigation department also had plans to purify the lake’s water and develop a bird sanctuary as part of wetland conservation efforts, but these plans have not materialized.
Local residents, like Manognya Reddy from Sainikpuri, are frustrated with the lack of action from officials. They are concerned that if a solution is not found soon, Kapra Lake might disappear entirely. Despite the city receiving ample rainfall in recent monsoons, the lake remains largely dry because its inlets are non-functional. This situation has left residents worried and disappointed with the authorities’ inaction.
