Historic Bum-Rukn-ud-Dowla Lake Set For Grand Revival As Restoration Enters Final Phase

Hyderabad: The centuries-old Bum-Rukn-ud-Dowla Lake in Hyderabad’s Old City is on the brink of revival, with the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Monitoring and Protection Authority (HYDRAA) completing the final phase of its restoration. HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath visited the lake on Tuesday to review ongoing works.

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Reviving an 18th-Century Heritage Lake

The Commissioner said the restored waterbody would soon serve as a “beautiful necklace to the Old City,” noting that the 18th-century lake—once marred by encroachments and neglect—has now regained much of its lost grandeur. He added that the lake is expected to be formally launched in the coming weeks, with finishing touches underway at the field level.

During the inspection, Ranganath examined the strengthened bund, inlets and outlets, and reviewed the access roads being laid on three sides of the lake. He emphasised the importance of ensuring smooth access for residents and reaffirmed the lake’s historical connection to the Nizam era. To honour this legacy, he stressed the need for planting medicinal species as well as shade-giving trees around the lake’s perimeter.

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He also proposed the creation of walking tracks, improved lighting, and people-friendly amenities to encourage community use. These include children’s play areas, seating zones for senior citizens, open gyms, green benches, and landscaped parks. The Commissioner further directed officials to install CCTV cameras and ensure real-time monitoring through the HYDRAA headquarters.

Ranganath suggested designing entrance gates aligned with the gazebos currently under construction, enabling visitors to gather and relax in a manner that respects traditional Islamic architectural aesthetics.

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Encroachments Removed, Lake Restored from 4.12 Acres to 18 Acres

Highlighting the lake’s historical significance, he said the waterbody must be preserved as a national treasure for future generations. He recalled that a major anti-encroachment drive was carried out in August last year to reclaim the lake’s original boundaries.

The Commissioner noted that the lake—once shrunk to just 4.12 acres—has now been restored to 18 acres following the removal of encroachments and comprehensive development works. Measures are also being implemented to ensure the dual benefits of flood control and groundwater recharge, he added.

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Ranganath instructed officials to construct canals with proper carrying capacity so water from the lake’s outlet can drain smoothly. GHMC Zonal Commissioner Srinivas Reddy briefed him that construction works are progressing in coordination with ongoing road expansion.

As part of the restoration initiative, authorities removed extensive debris dumping and illegal structures that had severely damaged the lake and reduced its Full Tank Level (FTL) over the years. (Maxim News)

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