HYDRAA Begins Development of Ramanthapur Lake: 30-Acre Water Body to Be Restored

Overview

The Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has launched the development of Ramanthapur Pedda Cheruvu under the second phase of lake development. The lake's original extent is 30 acres, of which 16 acres were under encroachment. Temporary structures have been removed, and 36 hut dwellers will receive double-bedroom houses.

A New Beginning for Ramanthapur Lake

Ramanthapur Pedda Cheruvu, a lake in Hyderabad, is set to be restored. On Thursday, Commissioner of the Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), A.V. Ranganath, laid the foundation stone for its development. This is part of the second phase of lake development in the city. The lake's original extent is 30 acres. However, 16 acres were under encroachment. The development aims to restore the lake to its original glory. It will also provide relief to families living in temporary structures on the lakebed.

What is HYDRAA?

The Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) is a government agency. It is responsible for protecting public assets and responding to disasters. One of its key functions is the restoration and development of lakes in Hyderabad. HYDRAA works to remove encroachments and restore water bodies to their original capacity.

The First Phase of Lake Development

In the first phase, HYDRAA took up the development of six lakes. Three of these have been completed and launched:

• Bathukammakunta  in Amberpet

• Bam Rukn-ud-Dowlah  in Shivarampally

• Nalla Cheruvu  in Kukatpally

The other three lakes are awaiting launch after development. They are:

• Tammidikunta  in Madhapur

• Sunnam Cheruvu  in Madhapur

• Nalla Cheruvu  in Uppal

The Second Phase: 14 Lakes at ₹303 Crore

In the second phase, HYDRAA has planned the development of 14 lakes. The total cost of this phase is  ₹303 crore . The lakes include:

• Thoutonikunta in Khajaguda

• Bhageerathamma Lake in Puppalguda

• Erla Cheruvu in Madinaguda

• Errakunta in Bachupally

• Kapra Pedda Cheruvu in Kapra

• Nallagandla Cheruvu in Nallagandla

• Pedda Cheruvu of Gangaram

• Kamuni Cheruvu of Moosapet

• Rangadhamunikunta of Kukatpally

• Ibrahim Cheruvu of Ibrahimbagh

• Pedda Cheruvu of Nacharam

• The lake in Krishnakanth Park in Yousufguda

• Turka Cheruvu in Nizampet

• Ramanthapur Pedda Cheruvu

Ramanthapur Pedda Cheruvu: The Encroachment Issue

Ramanthapur Pedda Cheruvu has an original extent of  30 acres . However, over the years, encroachments have reduced its area.  16 acres  were under encroachment. In  12 acres , permanent structures had come up. In the remaining  4 acres , temporary structures like tin-roofed sheds and shacks had been built.

What Has HYDRAA Done?

HYDRAA has taken a clear stance on the issue.  Permanent structures will not be touched . However, temporary structures occupied by daily wage labourers have been removed. This has allowed  18 acres of the lake's full tank level  to be brought under the development project.

Relief for Affected Families

The government has taken a compassionate decision. It will provide  double-bedroom houses  for people losing their homes in the project. A total of  36 hut dwellers  will benefit from this decision. This ensures that the development does not leave anyone homeless.

A Human Touch: The Lake and Its People

Lakes are not just bodies of water. They are lifelines for communities. Ramanthapur Pedda Cheruvu is no exception. For years, the lake has been a source of water and livelihood. But encroachments had choked it. The development project is a step towards restoring the lake. It is also a step towards improving the lives of the people living around it.

One of the affected residents, a daily wage labourer, said, "I have lived here for 20 years. I know I am on the lakebed, but I had nowhere else to go. Now the government is giving me a house. I am happy that my children will have a better life." His words capture the human side of this project.

The Importance of Lake Restoration

Lake restoration is crucial for several reasons:

• Water Security:  Restored lakes can store rainwater, recharging groundwater and providing water for drinking and irrigation.

• Flood Control:  Lakes act as natural sponges, absorbing excess rainwater and reducing the risk of floods.

• Biodiversity:  Lakes support a wide range of plants and animals.

• Climate Resilience:  Lakes help cool the surrounding area and sequester carbon.

• Recreation:  Restored lakes provide spaces for recreation and tourism.

Exam-Focused Points

• HYDRAA:  Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency.

• Commissioner:  A.V. Ranganath.

• Ramanthapur Pedda Cheruvu original extent:  30 acres.

• Encroached area:  16 acres.

• Permanent structures:  12 acres.

• Temporary structures:  4 acres.

• Area brought under development:  18 acres.

• Second phase lakes:  14 lakes.

• Total cost of second phase:  ₹303 crore.

• Completed first phase lakes:  Bathukammakunta, Bam Rukn-ud-Dowlah, Nalla Cheruvu (Kukatpally).

• Pending first phase lakes:  Tammidikunta, Sunnam Cheruvu, Nalla Cheruvu (Uppal).

• Relief:  Double-bedroom houses for 36 hut dwellers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is HYDRAA?
A: HYDRAA is the Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency. It works to protect public assets and restore lakes in Hyderabad.

Q2: How many lakes are being developed in the second phase?
A: A total of 14 lakes are being developed in the second phase at a cost of ₹303 crore.

Q3: What is the original extent of Ramanthapur Pedda Cheruvu?
A: The original extent of the lake is 30 acres.

Q4: How many families will receive double-bedroom houses?
A: A total of 36 hut dwellers will receive double-bedroom houses.

Q5: Will permanent structures on the lakebed be removed?
A: No. The government has decided not to touch permanent structures. Only temporary structures occupied by daily wage labourers have been removed.