Prisons Department and HYDRAA Launch Cherlapalli Lake Restoration Project

On Tuesday, the Telangana Prisons Department, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), and the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) launched the Cherlapalli Lake Restoration and Development Project with a Bhumi Pooja ceremony at Cherlapalli Lake in Cherlapalli.

The initiative is being implemented by the Telangana Prisons Department in collaboration with HYDRAA, with financial funding provided by IOCL under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The project aims to improve water conservation, environmental sustainability, and the long-term management of the water body.

Soumya Mishra, Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, inaugurated the program. The event was attended by Uppal MLA Bandari Lakshma Reddy, senior prison officials, HYDRAA representatives, IOCL officials, local residents, and inmates from the Open Air Prison. During the launch, the lake premises were officially declared a plastic-free zone.

Planned restoration works include cleaning the lake inlet and surrounding areas, constructing a silt collection chamber to prevent sediment inflow, and restoring the inlet channel to improve water flow. Additionally, the project will strengthen the lake embankment with gravel to prevent erosion and install solar lighting along the pathway on the lake bund.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mishra stated that restoring lakes is essential for ensuring water security, improving groundwater recharge, and protecting the environment. She noted that the rejuvenated Cherlapalli Lake will benefit nearby residential colonies, the Prison Agricultural Colony, and the Cherlapalli Central Prison by providing a sustainable source of water for agriculture, fish ponds, livestock, and campus greenery.

Inmates from the Open Air Prison will actively participate in the physical restoration work. Mishra explained that this involvement would help inmates acquire vocational skills while building self-esteem, responsibility, and confidence. She added that suitable inmates could be considered for employment in lake protection and security after their release to support their reintegration into society.

To ensure the continuous monitoring and protection of the restored water body, Mishra announced that CCTV cameras will be installed around the lake and integrated with the Cherlapalli Central Prison.