HYDRAA holds kite festivals at Hyderabad lakes restored to their pristine glory

From a polluted and foul-smelling waterbody, Nallacheruvu in Kukatpally was transformed into a clean and recreational spot with the initiatives of Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA). Locals flocked to the lakeside on the occasion of Makar Sankranti to witness colourful kites flying in the sky.

HYDRAA, which has been removing encroachments and reclaiming the lakes dotting Hyderabad, once again held kite festivals to celebrate the occasion. HYDRAA commissioner AV Ranganath said the agency has drawn up plans to reclaim 14 more lakes and resolve the issue of urban flooding in the city.

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HYDRAA organised the kite festivals at the restored lakes this year to signify the turnaround of the water bodies into vibrant community spaces.

A year and a half ago, the lake, Nallacheruvu, had witnessed protests as the locals demonstrated against HYDRAA’s initiative. The lake that currently spreads over 30 acres had shrunk to just 16 acres, almost half its size. Apart from removing the encroachments, the team had removed the silt, about 10 feet deep, restoring the lake to its pristine condition.

Ranganath, who inaugurated the kite festival, said that the removal of silt and increasing the depth of the lake would resolve the problem of flooding in the nearby area. People were also coming to the lake for a walk and enjoying other activities in the open space. The authorities have promised free cycling tracks, yoga spaces, and other amenities for the visitors.

In the first phase, the HYDRAA developed six lakes. Now it is planning to take up another 14 lakes. “If we take up 100 lakes in this way, we will be able to control the floods to a great extent. This will also increase groundwater levels and make potable water available,” said the HYDRAA commissioner.