NGO Revives Kudikunta Lake With 8-Year Effort
SAHE, citizens, and CSR funds restore Kondapur’s model lake
Hyderabad: Kudikunta Lake in Masjid Banda, Kondapur, once a dumping ground choked with sewage and a source of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, has been brought back to life after nearly eight years of efforts by the NGO SAHE.
Spread over eight acres, the lake has been restored with greenery and community participation, and is now set to serve as a model lake.
The revival began in 2017 when architect and water conservationist Kalpana Ramesh, after making her home and colony tanker-free through rainwater harvesting, realised the need to move beyond awareness campaigns and create visible change on the ground.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Kalpana Ramesh, founder of The Rainwater Project, recalled her first visit: “When I came across the lake in 2017, it was heavily polluted with sewage inflow, garbage dumping, and open defecation. In the early stages, we conducted multiple clean-up drives, bund strengthening, treatment of sewage using bio-enzymes, solar aeration, and creation of wetlands. But the sewage inflow kept increasing.”
After years of sustained efforts, the lake now receives treated water year-round, ensuring it never dries up. It also benefits nearby areas, including Palapitta Park, Botanical Gardens, and Camelot Park.
“Alongside the lake revival, we worked with nearby colonies to build 40 rainwater recharge pits and revived an old well. The project was supported with Rs 70 lakh CSR funding from Infosys Foundation, contributions from Sai Life Sciences, community help and our own expenditure,” she said.
The lake has since been developed with a green boundary and a walking track. “Several pipes were laid from nearby colonies to channel rainwater into the lake. During the recent rains, this system allowed floodwater to flow directly into the lake,” Kalpana explained. Work on greening the bund and completing a floating bridge across the outlet is in progress. A lake protection team, funded by nearby communities, has also been formed to ensure the revival is safeguarded, she added.
