Nacharam lake road inside FTL sparks flood risk concerns: Dr Lubna Sarwath to HRC
Hyderabad: Raising serious objections to the laying of a link road inside the full tank level (FTL) in the name of 'beautification' of Nacharam Pedda Cheruvu in HMT Nagar, environmental activist Lubna Sarwath filed a complaint with the Telangana Human Rights Commission (TGHRC). The activist claims that this has greatly reduced the lake's size and capacity. Consequently, the flood risk has increased for areas like Nacharam, HMT Nagar, and nearby areas. The complaint references flooding in Warasiguda area as evidence of broader water body encroachment issues.
Going further into details, recently on September 17, 2025, a road-laying work had been started at Nacharam Pedda Cheruvu, which was a continuation of the earlier project where a road was laid inside the lake's FTL under the name of 'beautification'. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) had sanctioned 3.14 crore rupees for that initial work.
The new construction proceeds despite a case being filed with the TGHRC against the initial project by Lubna Sarwath. The case was disposed of on 7 July 2025, without a hearing due to some technical difficulties.
Petitioner seeks reopening of case
The TSHRC closed the case based on a September 2, 2021, report from the Superintendent Engineer of Hyderabad Lakes and Water Bodies. That report stated that requisite measures were being taken to stop pollution. The petitioner contends the commission failed to appreciate other reports on record, including visits by a judicial member and a NEERI report.
The petitioner Lubna Sarwath has appealed for the case to be reopened, arguing the closure was erroneous. Lubna Sarwath said, “The new road, costing 17 lakh rupees, is another instance of public funds being used for projects that damage the lake”. Further the petitioner claims the lake's area and holding capacity have been severely reduced, increasing flood risk for areas like Nacharam, HMT Nagar, and neighbouring areas like it happened in Warisguda due to heavy rains on Thursday.
