HYDRAA has begun work to restore and expand the Krishna Kanth Park lake in Yousufguda, Hyderabad, with the project aimed at reducing flooding in Krishnanagar, Yousufguda and Ameerpet. The lake, which once covered 27 acres, had shrunk to about three acres after the surrounding area was developed into the park. HYDRAA now plans to expand it to 12 acres.
HYDRAA commissioner A.V. Ranganath launched the restoration works on Saturday, according to Deccan Chronicle. The state government has deputed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency to restore the lake and increase its capacity to hold rainwater.
The lake historically received rainwater from Jubilee Hills, Venkatagiri, Krishnanagar and Yousufguda. With its water-spread area significantly reduced, rainfall that would previously have been absorbed by the lake now places greater pressure on the surrounding drainage system. The report said that even around 5 cm of rainfall has often resulted in flooding in Krishnanagar, Yousufguda and Maitrivanam.
The proposed work includes deepening the lake and constructing inlets to allow stormwater to enter more easily. Outlets will also be developed so that excess water can drain out in a controlled manner. These interventions are intended to increase the lake’s storage capacity and improve the movement of stormwater through the area.
The project will also include a bund around the lake, a walking path, another open gym, improved seating and upgraded children’s play facilities. Fencing will be installed to prevent people from entering the water. HYDRAA said the restored lake would support groundwater levels in nearby areas while improving the park as a recreational space.
Trees at the site are proposed to be relocated after approval from the tree protection committee. They will be replanted near Sunnam Cheruvu, according to the report. The relocation plan means the lake restoration and park redevelopment will require coordination between HYDRAA, the tree protection committee and agencies responsible for the receiving site.
The project places a public park and a stormwater-retention lake within the same urban space. Its immediate operational goal is to improve rainwater storage before runoff reaches flood-prone roads and neighbourhoods. The next steps are the execution of the lake deepening, inlet and outlet works, construction of the bund and park improvements, subject to the required tree-related approval.
