Kudikunta Lake Rejuvenation in Hyderabad | Community & Science Restore Urban Waterbody

Kudikunta Lake Shines Again: Hyderabad’s Urban Ecology Success Story:

After years of neglect, pollution, and sewage dumping, Kudikunta Lake in the Kondapur-Masjid Banda area of Hyderabad has been successfully rejuvenated and inaugurated following nearly 10 years of consistent efforts by residents, volunteers, NGOs, corporate support and government cooperation. The transformation marks one of the most impactful lake restoration stories in the city — turning a once–polluted waterbody into a sustainable urban ecosystem that benefits both people and nature. 

 

The Struggle: From Sewage Dump to Ecosystem Hub

Kudikunta Lake — once choked with untreated sewage, waste dumping, and mosquito breeding — posed serious health and environmental challenges for nearby communities for many years. At its worst, untreated sewage inflow exceeded 6 million litres per day, contributing to pollution and making the lake unfit for ecological or recreational use.

Local residents realised that superficial clean-ups would not be enough. What was needed was systemic intervention, infrastructure solutions, and sustained community participation.

How the Rejuvenation Was Achieved

🧠 Community Leadership & Long-Term Commitment

The revival story began in 2016, led by Hyderabad architects and water conservationists along with the Rainwater Project, NGOs such as SAHE (Society for Advancement of Human Endeavour), and persistent local campaigns. Over 2,500 days of effort and 46 clean-up campaigns, residents repeatedly met government agencies to push for structural change.

🚰 Sewage Intervention — A Game Changer

A major milestone was the approval and establishment of a remote Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) that now treats over 7 million litres per day, completely stopping raw sewage from flowing into the lake.

💧 Rainwater Harvesting & Recharge

Rainwater inlets were constructed, rainwater recharge pits were built in nearby colonies, and pipelines now channel floodwater into the lake, helping maintain year-round water levels and supporting groundwater replenishment.

🐟 Biodiversity & Ecosystem Support

To strengthen the lake’s ecological health, thousands of fish have been introduced, native vegetation planted along the banks, and ecosystem monitoring systems (for water and air quality) are in place.

🏞️ Recreational & Community Amenities

Kudikunta now features a lakeside deck for yoga and community events, a walking track, and managed water space for irrigation and recharge — making it both an environmental asset and a community hub.

Sustainability & Long-Term Governance

To ensure the lake remains healthy in the long run, a Lake Protection Committee has been formed, funded by nearby residents and apartment communities. Monthly contributions support maintenance, water quality monitoring, and community stewardship, turning a formerly neglected lake into a self-sustaining public resource.

Why This Matters

• 🌿 Urban Environmental Impact: Water quality and local air quality have improved, helping reduce mosquito-borne diseases and creating a healthier living environment.

• 💧 Groundwater Recharge: Rainwater and treated wastewater now help replenish local aquifers, a key benefit in water-stressed urban regions.

• 👥 Community Participation: The lake’s revival stands as a model of how citizens, NGOs, corporates and authorities can collaborate on sustainable urban solutions.

• 🐦 Ecological Balance: Biodiversity has returned with fish populations and increased ecological activity around the lake.

FAQ – Kudikunta Lake Rejuvenation

Q1: Where is Kudikunta Lake located?
It is located in the Masjid Banda area of Kondapur, Hyderabad (Telangana).

Q2: How long did the rejuvenation take?
Nearly 10 years of efforts by residents, volunteers, NGOs and technical partners.

Q3: What transformed the lake?
Installation of a high-capacity Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), rainwater harvesting, pipeline inlets, and community funding for maintenance.

Q4: Is the lake now safe and healthy?
Yes — water quality has improved significantly, untreated sewage inflow has stopped, and the lake supports ecological and recreational use.

Q5: Who led the restoration initiative?
Local residents, NGOs such as The Rainwater Project / SAHE, community committees, and collaboration with public agencies.

People Also Ask (PAA)

Has Kudikunta Lake been completely restored?
Yes, the lake has been rejuvenated with treated water year-round and no longer dries up seasonally.

Is Kudikunta Lake open for visitors now?
The lake is designed as a public space with walking areas and community activities.

Can restored lakes help groundwater?
Yes — recharge pits and rainwater systems around Kudikunta improve groundwater levels.

Conclusion

The Kudikunta Lake rejuvenation in Hyderabad is a powerful testament to what persistent community action, scientific intervention, and collaborative governance can achieve. What was once an eyesore dominated by sewage and neglect is now a thriving urban eco-system — complete with clean water, biodiversity, recreational spaces, and community stewardship. As cities grapple with ecological challenges, Kudikunta stands out as a model for sustainable urban waterbody restoration.