Sunnam Cheruvu makeover wins local praise

Hyderabad: Sunnam Cheruvu is undergoing a remarkable revitalization after years of urban pressure, severe sewage contamination, and accumulated solid waste. HYDRAA, led by its commissioner, has initiated a comprehensive restoration drive. The project focuses on reclaiming the historic waterbody, clearing debris, and transforming the area into a clean, well-managed urban reservoir.

Engineering teams and heavy machinery are working continuous shifts at the site. Primary operational works include dredging accumulated silt, removing garbage heaps, clearing illegal encroachments around the designated Full Tank Level boundaries, and streamlining inflows.

Supported by government funding allocated for citywide lake rejuvenation projects costing several crores of rupees, HYDRAA is executing bund repairs, constructing inlet-outlet gates, and creating walking tracks alongside green spaces.

Local residents of nearby Padmavathi Nagar expressed immense relief at the visible progress. Mahesh, Raju , and Jay all long-time residents of Padmavathi Nagar, shared their appreciation for the rapid transformation. "For years, we endured terrible smells and heaps of foul garbage surrounding the lake bed," they remarked. "The ongoing work by HYDRAA has completely changed the environment. Seeing the garbage cleared away and proper lake restoration taking place gives us real hope for a healthier neighbourhood."

Beyond basic remediation, community and cultural needs have been integrated directly into the rejuvenation plan. Officials responded to local demands by incorporating public amenities along the shoreline to support regional traditions and civic welfare.

Vaishnavi Durga, President of the Bathukamma Utsava Samithi, warmly thanked HYDRAA and the commissioner for accepting their request to construct dedicated steps leading down to the lake bed. "We are deeply grateful to HYDRAA for listening to our community’s request," she stated. "Building proper steps along the shore will allow women to celebrate the sacred Bathukamma festival safely and with dignity."

Supporters of community-led conservation have also commended the institutional push.

J Raghu Raj Goud, President of the Hari Co-operative Housing Society, applauded the development. Having previously led civil efforts to repair bunds and protect boundaries, Goud praised the comprehensive approach taken by authorities. "The proactive intervention by HYDRAA authorities ensures that Sunnam Cheruvu is finally receiving the structural protection and systematic development it desperately required, and this is a dream coming true for all of us and I would like to thank HYDRAA commissioner garu for this," he noted.

As dredging and bund construction enter final stages, the restored Sunnam Cheruvu stands as a testament to effective civic intervention, turning a once-neglected dumping ground into a proud community milestone.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Juloori Bhargavi Saraswathi

Juloori Bhargavi Saraswathi