Hyderabad: Tammidikunta lake restored and opened for Children's Day

Students from the Waxsan International School in Balanagar recently visited the Tammidikunta lake in Hyderabad to mark Children’s Day. The visit followed the official inauguration of the site by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on November 11, marking a significant transformation for the area. While many people search for information on Hyderabad, this restoration project highlights a successful effort to reclaim urban water bodies from neglect.

A Transformed Landscape

Before the restoration efforts led by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), the lake was in a state of severe degradation. It was frequently used as a dumping ground for construction debris, garbage, and biomedical waste, accompanied by an unbearable stench. To revive the site, authorities removed 30,000 truckloads of silt. The water body, which had shrunk to 16.2 acres, has been expanded to cover 29.3 acres. The lake has now regained its natural capacity to manage monsoon flooding and assist in groundwater replenishment.

Community Engagement and Education

During the visit, a group of 270 students toured the facility, utilizing the new open-air gym and designated play areas. The children also gathered near a bonsai plant at the gazebo to learn about the technical aspects of the restoration. Yunus Parvez, Director of Vimos Technocrats—the firm responsible for the Detailed Project Report—delivered a presentation to the students. He emphasized the importance of water conservation and tree planting for a sustainable future. The area now features a 1.6-kilometre pathway, serving as a recreational zone for residents.

Why it matters

The restoration of Tammidikunta signifies a shift in urban planning, turning a polluted site into a functional recreational space for the community. By reclaiming land and improving environmental health, the project provides a model for managing urban water bodies in India, directly benefiting local residents who now have access to a cleaner, safer public space.