HYDRAA’s Plan to Rejuvenate 12 Lakes in Hyderabad by 2025
The Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has set an ambitious blueprint for the city’s environmental rejuvenation, with a proposal to the state government to restore 12 significant lakes across the Hyderabad metropolitan region by 2025. The initiative, which is a cornerstone of the agency’s strategic roadmap, aims to bring a much-needed focus on preserving the city’s water bodies while addressing several environmental and civic challenges. Agency commissioner A.V. Ranganath, during a recent press conference, outlined the agency’s efforts, highlighting the progress made in 2024 and its future plans.
The 12 lakes selected for rejuvenation are some of Hyderabad’s most iconic water bodies, including Osman Sagar, Himayat Sagar, Hussain Sagar, Saroornagar Lake, Durgam Cheruvu, Mir Alam Tank, and others. These lakes, once central to the city’s ecology and water resources, have faced significant environmental degradation due to encroachments, debris dumping, and unlawful construction activities. HYDRAA’s approach will focus on addressing these issues through comprehensive measures, including demolitions, the removal of illegal constructions, and the prevention of further encroachments. Advanced technologies such as satellite imagery, drones, and geofencing will be deployed to monitor and protect the lakes, ensuring long-term sustainability.
In 2024, HYDRAA made notable strides in resolving over 5,800 public complaints related to these lakes. Issues such as variations in lake spread areas, encroachments, and the disappearance of water bodies were tackled with precision using cadastral records, toposheets, and high-resolution satellite imagery. HYDRAA’s prompt action in mitigating illegal activities, including the identification of unauthorised landfills and constructions, underscores the agency’s commitment to environmental protection. The proposal to rejuvenate these lakes aligns with the city’s growing need for sustainable water management solutions, especially in light of its rapid urbanisation.
Sustainability remains at the heart of HYDRAA’s lake restoration plan. As Hyderabad continues to experience rapid population growth, with projections indicating that the city will account for 50% of the state’s population by 2050, ensuring the preservation of water bodies is vital. Sustainable urban development is key to maintaining ecological balance amidst the challenges of rapid growth. The restoration of these lakes will not only improve water quality but also enhance biodiversity, reduce flooding, and improve the overall urban environment. Moreover, by addressing the ecological concerns related to encroachments and waste disposal, HYDRAA aims to create a cleaner, greener city that serves the needs of both present and future generations.
In addition to the lake rejuvenation project, HYDRAA has plans to enhance its infrastructure to improve weather prediction and disaster response. The agency aims to increase the number of automatic weather stations across the city and establish a dedicated technical wing of scientists for weather data analysis. These efforts will allow for better public alerts and emergency preparedness, which will be crucial in a city grappling with both urbanisation and the impacts of climate change. Furthermore, the agency is exploring the launch of an exclusive FM channel for disseminating weather updates, ensuring that citizens are well-informed and equipped to deal with adverse weather conditions.
