Hyderabad is taking another step towards improving its urban water management infrastructure. The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) is nearing completion of the first phase of its lake restoration projects. As part of this initiative, the Telangana Chief Minister is expected to inaugurate three more restored lakes by the end of 2026.
These lakes include Sunnam Cheruvu in Madhapur, Thammidikunta Lake in Hitec City and Nalla Cheruvu in Uppal. Through these restoration projects, HYDRAA aims to improve water storage capacity, reclaim encroached lake areas and strengthen floodwater management across Hyderabad.
Three Hyderabad Lakes Nearing Completion
As part of its ongoing lake rejuvenation initiatives, HYDRAA is preparing to complete restoration work on three important water bodies across the city.
According to the current plan, the inauguration of Sunnam Cheruvu in Madhapur will take place in the first week of November 2026. Meanwhile, the agency expects to complete the inaugurations of Thammidikunta Lake and Nalla Cheruvu by the end of the year.
Furthermore, HYDRAA’s first-phase lake restoration programme covers six lakes across Hyderabad. Through this initiative, the agency aims to protect urban water bodies and improve their environmental and water-management functions.
Thammidikunta Lake Expanded to 29 Acres
One of the notable developments involves Thammidikunta Lake in Hitec City. The restoration project has expanded the lake’s area from 14 acres to 29 acres by reclaiming 15 acres.
This reclamation work helps protect the lake’s original boundaries while increasing its capacity to hold rainwater. Additionally, the restoration project is expected to support better stormwater management in the surrounding urban areas.
Nalla Cheruvu Restored to 67.31 Acres in Uppal
Another significant development involves Nalla Cheruvu in Uppal. HYDRAA has restored the lake to an area of 67.31 acres, thereby strengthening its potential for floodwater storage.
By restoring the lake’s original area, the project can improve its ability to manage excess rainwater, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. Moreover, this initiative helps protect the city’s natural water bodies from further encroachments.
Sunnam Cheruvu Restoration in Madhapur
Sunnam Cheruvu in Madhapur is another important lake nearing completion under HYDRAA’s first-phase restoration programme. The agency plans to inaugurate the lake in the first week of November 2026.
Through this initiative, HYDRAA aims to protect Hyderabad’s lakes, improve water retention and preserve important natural water resources. These efforts are particularly important as rapidly developing urban areas place increasing pressure on existing water bodies.
How HYDRAA Lake Restoration Can Benefit Hyderabad
Lake restoration plays an important role in maintaining the environmental balance of growing cities. As Hyderabad continues to expand, the city needs to protect its existing water bodies and improve their storage capacity.
In this regard, HYDRAA’s lake restoration projects aim to deliver several benefits:
- Improved Water Storage: Restored lake areas can help retain more rainwater and strengthen local water resources. As a result, these water bodies can support better water management.
- Floodwater Management: Increased lake capacity can help store and manage excess rainwater during heavy rainfall. Consequently, restored lakes can support the city’s floodwater management efforts.
- Encroachment Prevention: Reclaiming lake areas helps protect water bodies and preserve their original boundaries. This also supports long-term lake conservation.
- Urban Environmental Protection: Conserving lakes supports the city’s natural drainage systems and ecological balance. Furthermore, healthy water bodies contribute to a better urban environment.
- Sustainable Urban Development: Protecting water bodies remains an important part of sustainable city planning. Therefore, lake restoration can support Hyderabad’s long-term development while preserving its natural resources.
Hyderabad Strengthens Its Lake Conservation Efforts
The upcoming inaugurations of Sunnam Cheruvu, Thammidikunta Lake and Nalla Cheruvu mark an important stage in HYDRAA’s first-phase lake restoration programme.
Overall, the first phase covers six lakes across Hyderabad, with three more nearing completion. Through these projects, HYDRAA aims to improve water storage, strengthen floodwater management and protect the city’s lakes from encroachments.
As Hyderabad continues to develop, these lake restoration efforts can play an important role in protecting natural water resources and supporting more sustainable urban development across the city.
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