HYDRAA revives Bathukamma Kunta in Amberpet in just 4 months; Residents join in celebration

Hyderabad: A festive atmosphere prevailed near Bathukamma Kunta in Amberpet on Friday, as children and locals came together to celebrate the transformation of a once-neglected plot into a restored lake. The event, organized ahead of HYDRAA’s annual celebrations on July 19, saw students from various schools form a human chain around the lake in a show of solidarity and appreciation.

Holding placards and chanting slogans like “HYDRAA Zindabad,” the children expressed gratitude to the Hyderabad Disaster Management and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) for cleaning up the area, previously overrun by garbage, encroachments, and thorny bushes. The children also took a pledge to protect lakes and the environment.

 Model for Lake Restoration: HYDRAA Commissioner

HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath described Bathukamma Kunta as a model project for restoring lakes across Hyderabad. He said the initiative shows the state government's vision of building an environmentally sustainable city. Ranganath highlighted that preserving biodiversity is key to a better future and noted the extensive efforts required to clear the lake of encroachments.

He mentioned that some residents had falsely claimed damage to drinking water pipelines during excavation, but the work continued and ultimately succeeded. The improved environment around the lake now stands as a testament to the project's success. He also confirmed that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who personally monitored the lake’s development, is expected to attend the Bathukamma festival celebrations at the site on September 21.

 Lake Completed in Record Time: Collector

Hyderabad District Collector Harichandana Dasari praised the project, noting that the area had once been used as a dumping yard during her tenure as GHMC Zonal Commissioner. She said completing the lake in just four months was a national record and highlighted the importance of restoring Hyderabad’s stormwater drains and water bodies.

Personal Connection to the Lake: V. Hanumantha Rao

Former MP and senior Congress leader V. Hanumantha Rao shared his personal connection to the lake, recalling playing Bathukamma and swimming there as a child. He said he had been advocating for the lake’s restoration since 1963 and had personally requested the Chief Minister to take up the project. Hanumantha Rao commended HYDRAA for its constructive role in the city’s development and urged continued cooperation from the public. GHMC Zonal Commissioner Ravikiran and HYDRAA officials Ashok, Papayya, Sudarshan, Tirumal, and Srikant also attended the event.