Hyderabad, June 25: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency, or HYDRA, on Thursday launched restoration works for four more lakes in and around Hyderabad at a cost of Rs 107 crore to improve flood management and groundwater recharge.
HYDRA Commissioner A V Ranganath formally began the works after performing bhoomi puja at Ibrahim Pedda Cheruvu in Ibrahim Bagh and Kamuni Cheruvu in Moosapet.
The four lakes taken up in this phase are Ibrahim Pedda Cheruvu in Rajendranagar mandal, Bhagirathamma Cheruvu in Puppalaguda of Gandipet mandal, Kamuni Cheruvu in Moosapet of Kukatpally mandal, and Kapra Cheruvu in Kapra of Medchal Malkajgiri district.
The agency is restoring Ibrahim Pedda Cheruvu spread over 97 acres, Kamuni Cheruvu over 48 acres, Bhagirathamma Cheruvu over 54 acres and Kapra Cheruvu over 112 acres.
HYDRA lake restoration aims at flood control
Ranganath said the lake restoration drive was aimed at checking urban flooding, increasing groundwater levels and creating an eco friendly environment around the water bodies.
He directed contractors to remove silt completely from the lakes and ensure that foul smell and sewage related issues are addressed during the restoration process.
He said inlets and outlets should be strengthened so that floodwater can enter and exit the lakes smoothly during heavy rains. He also asked officials to execute the works without compromising on quality.
The HYDRA Commissioner said the second phase of lake restoration should match the standards of the first phase, under which six lakes were taken up earlier. The present phase covers 14 lakes in total, of which works have now started in four.
He said the restored lakes should serve both ecological and public purposes. Plans include walking tracks around the lakes, open gyms, children’s play areas and public spaces for residents of all age groups.
For larger lakes, the State government is also considering boating facilities through the Tourism Department to turn them into recreation hubs.
Local residents who attended the launch welcomed the restoration works. They said the projects would help reduce sewage overflow, foul smell and mosquito menace in their neighbourhoods while improving the overall environment.
Ranganath urged residents to support the restoration works and play an active role in protecting the lakes after redevelopment.
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