HYDRAA to develop Hyderabad’s Saroornagar lake spread over 90 acres

The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) will take up comprehensive restoration of Saroor Nagar lake after securing government approvals, Commissioner, HYDRAA, A.V. Ranganath said on Wednesday (January 21, 2026).

From 140 acres to 90 acres

The lake was originally spread over more than 140 acres. However, residential settlements have come up across a large portion over the years. Clarifying that existing habitations would not be disturbed, Mr. Ranganath said restoration efforts would focus on the remaining lake area of over 90 acres.

He conducted a field inspection of the lake. Proposals would be submitted to the government shortly, with works expected to begin by March and be completed within a year.

Ecological restoration, not cosmetic measures

Emphasising that lake rejuvenation involved ecological restoration rather than cosmetic measures, Mr. Ranganath said silt would be removed to a depth of 10 to 15 feet to increase water-holding capacity and improve groundwater recharge. Inlets and outlets would be streamlined, and the lake would be strengthened to aid flood mitigation.

To prevent sewage inflow, HYDRAA would coordinate with the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board and enhance sewage treatment plant capacity. The project also includes plantation of medicinal and native species, development of parks, walking tracks, play areas, sports facilities and open gyms.

Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) Commissioner, A.V. Ranganath,. at Katora Houz on Wednesday (January 21, 2026)
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BY ARRANGEMENT

450-year-old heritage pond

Mr. Ranganath also inspected the Katora Houz inside the Golconda Fort which is a heritage pond with 450 years of history. The water body is being developed by NGO Nirman under the supervision of Archaeology department. Kalpana Ramesh from Nirman requested the Commissioner to provide alternative for the sewerage pipeline laid through the pond. Mr. Ranganath assured help and sought a report on the initiatives taken up for rejuvenation of the pond.