Thammidikunta Lake in Madhapur, opposite Shilparamam, has undergone a major transformation. Once reduced to just 14 acres due to encroachments and pollution, the lake has now regained its original extent of nearly 30 acres following restoration work by HYDRAA.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy will inaugurate the restored lake on November 11 and dedicate it to the people of Hyderabad.
The demolition of N Convention Centre on August 24, 2024, marked a major turning point in the lake’s restoration. HYDRAA also cleared other illegal structures within the Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zones. Around 16 acres of encroached land were reclaimed. The recovered public property is estimated to be worth more than Rs 1,200 crore.
The restoration involved clearing plastic waste, construction debris and accumulated silt. Desilting work extended to nearly 15 feet in certain areas. This has improved the lake’s water storage capacity and its potential to recharge groundwater.
The project is also expected to help reduce flooding in Madhapur and Kondapur. HYDRAA reconstructed three inlets and one outlet to restore the natural flow of rainwater. Water from surrounding areas can now enter Thammidikunta and flow towards Mundla Kunta Lake. A dedicated 1,200 mm pipeline has also been laid to divert sewage from nearby hostels and commercial establishments. A sewage treatment plant has been proposed as part of the pollution control measures.
Apart from lake restoration, HYDRAA has developed the surroundings into a public recreational space at a cost of around Rs 20 crore. The facilities include a 1.25-kilometre walking track, landscaped gardens, seating areas, two gazebos, a yoga platform and a rose garden. Protective fencing, a boundary wall and two entry gates have also been provided.
Thammidikunta is among six lakes selected for restoration in HYDRAA’s first phase. The Chief Minister has already inaugurated Bum-Rukn-ud-Daula Lake, Bathukamma Kunta and Nalla Cheruvu in Kukatpally. Thammidikunta is the fourth lake in the initiative. Sunna Cheruvu in Madhapur and Nalla Cheruvu in Uppal are next in line.
The revival of Thammidikunta is a significant step towards protecting Hyderabad’s shrinking waterbodies. The demolition of N Convention and the subsequent restoration have brought attention to the importance of safeguarding public lake lands. The real test now lies in maintaining the restored lake and preventing fresh encroachments.
