Hyderabad: Sunnam Cheruvu, once a 13-acre sewage and garbage dumping site, is nearing transformation into a 30-acre freshwater lake and public space for residents of Guttala Begumpet and Ayyappa Society.
The lake rejuvenation project by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) is nearing completion. It is likely to be inaugurated by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy by the end of this month.
The restoration follows nearly two years of resistance, legal challenges and other hurdles. HYDRAA began clearing encroachments from the lake’s Full Tank Level (FTL) in September 2024, facing opposition from some local groups.
Despite the challenges, the agency continued the project with state government support. The work has reclaimed lake-bed land from encroachments and converted the former dumping site into a major green and blue asset in western Hyderabad.
Sunnam Cheruvu Becomes Public Recreation Space
The area around the lake is already being used by thousands of residents for walking and recreation. Women and children are among the frequent visitors.
Located amid residential communities, bastis and middle-class colonies, Sunnam Cheruvu has emerged as a shared public space for people from different sections of society.
The restoration has also brought attention to concerns over groundwater exploitation in the area.
Officials said some water-tanker operators had been extracting bore water from the lake bed and supplying it to PG hostels, schools and colleges around Madhapur.
Water samples tested through the Telangana Pollution Control Board reportedly showed heavy-metal contamination. Lead levels were several times above permissible limits, while nickel was also found to be significantly above the prescribed limit.
The completed project is expected to improve the lake environment while providing residents with a larger public space for recreation and community activities.
Now you can get the latest stories from Indtoday on Telegram every day. Click the link to subscribe. Click to follow Indtoday’s Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram. For all the latest Hyderabad News updates and Follow us on GoogleNews
