Sunnam Cheruvu Restoration Nears Completion, Revanth Reddy to Inaugurate Lake

The rejuvenation of Sunnam Cheruvu into a 30-acre freshwater lake and public space for residents of Guttala Begumpet and Ayyappa Society is nearing completion, with Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy likely to inaugurate the revived water body by the end of this month.

The restoration, spearheaded by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), has reclaimed lake-bed land from encroachments. The initiative has converted what was once a 13-acre sewage and garbage dump yard into a major green and blue environmental asset in western Hyderabad.

The transformation follows nearly two years of resistance, legal challenges, and other obstacles. HYDRAA began clearing encroachments from the lake's full tank level (FTL) in September 2024, pushing ahead with the project under the backing of the state government despite opposition from some local groups.

The lake’s surroundings are already being used by thousands of local residents, particularly women and children, for walking and recreation. Located amid residential communities, bastis, and middle-class colonies, the restored site has turned into a common public gathering space for people across different sections of the community.

The restoration process also brought to light serious issues surrounding groundwater exploitation at the site. Officials noted that some commercial water-tanker operators had been illegally drawing bore water directly from the lake bed and supplying it to paying guest (PG) hostels, schools, and colleges across nearby Madhapur.

Water samples tested through the Telangana Pollution Control Board revealed severe heavy-metal contamination in the lake bed. Test results indicated that lead concentrations were several times higher than permissible limits, while nickel levels were also detected significantly above prescribed safety standards.