The Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) on Thursday launched restoration work on four more lakes as part of its ongoing initiative to strengthen flood management and enhance groundwater recharge across the Hyderabad region. HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath formally laid foundation at select sites for the project.

The lakes taken up for restoration in the latest phase include Ibrahim Pedda Cheruvu at Ibrahim Bagh in Rajendranagar mandal, Bhagirathamma Cheruvu at Puppalaguda in Gandipet mandal, Kamuni Cheruvu at Moosapet in Kukatpally mandal, and Kapra Cheruvu in Kapra of Medchal-Malkajgiri district.

The restoration works cover substantial lake areas, with Kamuni Cheruvu spread across 48 acres, Ibrahim Pedda Cheruvu in over 97 acres, Bhagirathamma Cheruvu across 54 acres, and Kapra Cheruvu spanning 112 acres. HYDRAA is spending ₹107 crore on the rejuvenation of these four lakes.

Addressing contractors and officials, Commissioner A.V. Ranganath directed them to completely remove silt deposits from the lakes and ensure the elimination of foul odours. He stressed that the restoration programme should not only help mitigate flooding but also contribute significantly to groundwater recharge and environmental sustainability.

The Commissioner instructed that lake inlets and outlets be upgraded to facilitate the smooth inflow and outflow of floodwaters. He said the 14 lakes being developed in the second phase should be transformed with the same quality standards achieved in the first phase, during which six lakes were restored.

As part of the comprehensive development plan, HYDRAA intends to create pathways around the lakes, recreational spaces for people of all age groups, open gyms, and children’s play areas, transforming the water bodies into attractive public spaces. For larger lakes, the government is also exploring plans to introduce boating facilities through the Tourism Department. The Commissioner called upon local residents to actively participate and support the restoration efforts to ensure the successful completion of the projects, a statement from HYDRAA said.