Hyderabads 47 Lakes to Be Rejuvenated
Major Lake Rejuvenation Project in Hyderabad
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has announced an ambitious project to rejuvenate 47 lakes across Hyderabad. This extensive initiative will involve significant upgrades to the city’s lakes, aimed at enhancing their functionality and aesthetic appeal. The project, with a total budget of Rs 161 crore, will focus on protecting, conserving, and beautifying these water bodies.
Project Scope and Features
The revitalization effort will be implemented across six zones in Hyderabad. Key aspects of the project include the construction of sluice gates, bunds, and ring mains, along with desilting operations to manage floodwater more effectively. Additionally, the plan introduces innovative “Sponge Zones,” which will utilize permeable pavements to boost water retention and minimize runoff. To support these measures, the GHMC will seek additional funding from the Union government through the Sponge Cities Mission.
Funding and Phases
The lake rejuvenation project is divided into three packages:
- Package 1: This phase, with a budget of Rs 61.40 crore, will target seven lakes in the Khairatabad zone.
- Package 2: Allocating Rs 45.88 crore, this phase will address 26 lakes across the Kukatpally and Serilingampally zones.
- Package 3: With Rs 54.07 crore earmarked, this phase will focus on 14 lakes situated in the LB Nagar, Secunderabad, and Charminar zones.
Additionally, Rs 20 crore will be specifically allocated for the development of Sponge Zones.
Coordination and Prevention Measures
The GHMC plans to work closely with the irrigation department to set appropriate Full Tank levels for the lakes. To ensure the effectiveness of the rejuvenation efforts, measures will be put in place to prevent encroachments. The aim is to ensure that only treated wastewater or rainwater flows into the lakes, preserving their quality and usability.
Enhancements and Beautification
Beyond functional upgrades, the project will also focus on beautifying the lakes. Planned enhancements include the creation of walkways, greenery, parks, jogging and cycling tracks, sitting areas, gazebos, viewing decks, and boating facilities. These improvements are intended to make the lakes more accessible and enjoyable for the public.
Detailed List of Lakes to be Rejuvenated
- Khairatabad Zone: Langar Houz Tank, Shahatam Tank, Ananthagani Kunta, Batur Kunta, Yerra Kunta Lake, and the construction of a retaining wall from Kavadiguda Bridge to the Musi confluence point.
- Kukatpally Zone: Periki Cheruvu, Gajulramaram, Mundla Katwa, Kamuni Cheruvu, Pedda Bandam, and Suraram.
- Serilingampally Zone: Botanical Garden Lake, Pochamma Kunta, Gunneru Kunta, Kotha Cheruvu, and Kondapur Forest Lake.
- LB Nagar Zone: Pochamma Lake, Bathula Cheruvu, Bandlaguda Cheruvu, Nalla Cheruvu, and Patel Cheruvu.
- Secunderabad Zone: Banda Cheruvu, Nadimi Cheruvu, Ramanna Cheruvu, and Tirumalagiri Tank.
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Charminar Zone: Suleman Cheruvu, Surram Cheruvu, and Gurram Cheruvu.
- Disclaimer: The details provided are based on the latest announcements by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and are subject to change. For the most current information, please refer to official GHMC communications and updates.
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Hyderabad: Once the City of Lakes
Hyderabad was once renowned as the “City of Lakes,” home to numerous natural and man-made water bodies. Historically, the city boasted a vast array of lakes, reservoirs, rivers, streams, aquaculture ponds, and tanks. Estimates from a few decades ago suggest there were between 3,000 and 7,000 such water bodies in and around Hyderabad, including both natural and man-made ones. Locally, these were known as cheruvu, kunta, and tanks.
The Decline of Hyderabad’s Lakes
Today, however, the situation has dramatically changed. Many of these lakes have completely disappeared, while the remaining ones have significantly shrunk, often becoming mere ponds or cesspools. Notable lakes that have vanished include Tigal Kunta, Somajiguda Tank, Mir Jumla Tank, Pahar Tigal Kunta, Kunta Bhawani Das, Nawab Saheb Kunta, Afzalsagar, Nallakunta, and Masab Tank. Additionally, prominent lakes such as Hussainsagar Lake and Kunta Mallaiyapalli have drastically diminished in size.
Current Status and Challenges
From the thousands of water bodies that existed around Hyderabad in the 1970s, only between 70 and 500 remain today. The primary reasons for their disappearance include encroachment and illegal drainage for real estate development by both private entities and government agencies. Moreover, the existing lakes have frequently been misused as dumping grounds for garbage and sewage.
Historical Context
Many of Hyderabad’s lakes were constructed during the reign of the Qutub Shahis in the 16th and 17th centuries, and later by the Nizams, primarily to provide drinking water for the city’s residents. Hussainsagar Lake, the largest lake in Hyderabad, was created in 1575 AD. Over the past 30 years, its area has shrunk by over 40%, from 550 hectares to 349 hectares. Since 1930, Hussainsagar has no longer served as a drinking water source.
Conclusion
Hyderabad’s lakes, once a vital part of its heritage and environment, have faced severe degradation over the years due to urban expansion and neglect. Restoring and preserving these historic water bodies has become a crucial task for the city to regain its once-celebrated status as the “City of Lakes.”