Hyderabad: Hyderabad’s lakes, which were slated for rejuvenation under the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency’s (HYDRAA) initiative, remain in a neglected state. Despite assurances from the agency, lakes such as Bathukamma Kunta and Sunnam Cheruvu have seen no significant progress on the ground.
In a recent briefing, HYDRAA stated that they had submitted proposals to the government to rejuvenate several lakes. However, no visible action has been taken so far.
Bathukamma Kunta, in particular, has been at the centre of neglect. HYDRAA began rejuvenation works on November 13 last year, but the process was stalled when a local individual, Sudhakar Reddy, filed a motion in the High Court claiming ownership of the land.
After weeks of legal proceedings, the High Court issued a ruling on January 7, dismissing Sudhakar Reddy’s claim and declaring the land as part of Bathukamma Kunta. The court’s decision was hailed as a victory by HYDRAA for the preservation of public resources.
Despite the favourable verdict, however, HYDRAA has yet to restart its work to revive the lake. More than two weeks have passed since the court’s order, but there is no sign of HYDRAA’s activity at the site. This delay has raised questions about the agency’s commitment to its promises.
Locals are urging HYDRAA to act swiftly to restore the lake, emphasising its potential to enhance the city’s landscape. “The High Court has already cleared the way, and we expected them to immediately start working on reviving the lake. But so far, we haven’t seen a single soul here” said Mohd. Arif, a local resident.
Though the lake was believed to be built by the Nizam for his cavalry, the lake subsequently got its name after women in the region used it to immerse Bathukammas.
HYDRAA stated that 12 lakes, including Sunnam Cheruvu in Guttala Begumpet, Nalla Cheruvu at Kukatpally and Thoutanikunta at Khajaguda are being taken up for rejuvenation, but no activity is found at any lake.
