Pleasent Valley

Restoring Pleasent Valley Lake

Restoring a Lost Ecosystem, Creating a Living Urban Landmark

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Project Overview

Ecological Restoration of Pleasant Valley Lake

Pleasant Valley Lake is a 6-acre urban water body located in the Jubilee Hills region of Hyderabad, Telangana. Over years of rapid urban expansion, encroachment, and unregulated waste dumping, the lake suffered severe ecological degradation.

In 2019, Dhruvansh NGO—a Hyderabad-based environmental organization founded by environmentalist Madhulika Choudhary—undertook the eco-restoration and rejuvenation of Pleasant Valley Lake. Through a combination of low-cost, nature-based technologies, bio-remediation, and community engagement, the initiative turned a decaying urban sink into a vibrant, self-sustaining freshwater ecosystem.

Pleasant Valley Lake

Sunnum kunta, Jubilee Hills

Key Restoration Interventions & Methodology

A nature-based approach combining ecological treatment, solar technology, monitoring, and habitat restoration to revive Kokapet Lake.

Solid Waste Removal & Desilting

Solid Waste Removal & Desilting is an essential step in restoring the lake’s natural capacity and water flow. Systematic removal of plastic, debris, construction waste, invasive weeds, and accumulated silt helps clear the water body and surrounding areas. Removing these pollutants reduces contamination, improves water circulation, and creates healthier conditions for aquatic life and native vegetation.

Desilting helps restore the natural depth and storage capacity of the lake by removing layers of accumulated sediment from the waterbed. Combined with regular waste clearance, it supports better water flow, reduces stagnant areas, and improves the overall ecological condition of the lake. These efforts also create a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient environment for the surrounding community and wildlife.

Solar-Powered Aeration

Solar-Powered Aeration systems are sustainable, renewable-energy solutions designed to improve the health and quality of lake water. Solar-powered aerators use energy from sunlight to introduce oxygen into the water and improve natural circulation. Increasing dissolved oxygen levels creates healthier conditions for fish, aquatic plants, and beneficial microorganisms while supporting important natural processes within the lake ecosystem.

Improved water circulation also helps reduce stagnant water conditions and supports a more balanced aquatic environment. By using clean solar energy, these systems can operate with lower dependence on conventional electricity while contributing to long-term environmental sustainability. Solar-Powered Aeration therefore provides an eco-friendly and efficient approach to improving water conditions and supporting the ecological restoration of urban lakes.

Ecological Monitoring

Ecological Monitoring is an essential part of lake restoration, helping assess the health and gradual recovery of the aquatic ecosystem. Regular monitoring examines water quality, vegetation, biodiversity, and other environmental conditions to understand how the lake is responding to restoration efforts. This information helps identify pollution levels, ecological changes, and emerging challenges that may affect the long-term health of the water body.

Continuous observation also helps measure the effectiveness of restoration measures and provides valuable information for future conservation planning. By tracking changes over time, restoration teams can make informed decisions and respond to environmental concerns more effectively. Ecological Monitoring ensures that restoration remains science-based, measurable, and sustainable, supporting the long-term protection and management of the lake ecosystem.

Native Habitat Restoration

Native Habitat Restoration focuses on rebuilding healthy and natural habitats around the lake using plants and vegetation that are well suited to the local environment. Native plants help strengthen the shoreline, reduce soil erosion, and improve the stability of areas surrounding the water body. They also provide food, shelter, and breeding spaces for birds, insects, fish, and other wildlife, encouraging the return of diverse species.

Restoring native vegetation helps strengthen biodiversity and ecological balance while creating a more resilient lake ecosystem. Locally adapted plants can better support natural ecological processes and contribute to the long-term health of the surrounding landscape. Through thoughtful habitat restoration, degraded areas can gradually be transformed into vibrant, sustainable ecosystems that benefit wildlife, the lake, and the wider urban environment.

Projects Details

S.no.	Metric / Attribute	Project Details
1	Location	Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana
2	Lake Area	~6 Acres
3	Executing Organization	Dhruvansh Organizational
4	Key Leadershi	Madhulika Choudhary (Founder & CEO, Dhruvansh)
5	Timeline	2019 – 2025 (Active restoration & multi-year monitoring)
6	Primary Approach	Frugal Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), Bio-remediation & Community Stewardship
7	Key Technologies	Floating Treatment Wetlands (FTWs), Solar Aerators, Phytoremediation

Ecological & Environmental Impact

Restoration efforts are helping strengthen Kokapet Lake’s water quality, ecological balance, biodiversity, and surrounding green environment.

Water Quality Improvement

Ecological treatment, aeration, and restoration measures help improve water quality and create healthier conditions for aquatic life within the lake

Groundwater Recharge

Restoring the lake and protecting its water-holding capacity supports groundwater recharge and strengthens long-term local water security.

Biodiversity Revival

Improved habitat conditions support aquatic organisms, native vegetation, and birdlife, helping rebuild the lake’s natural ecological diversity.

Microclimate & Green Cover

Expanded green buffers and restored water surfaces helped moderate local temperatures while creating a healthier green space for the neighborhood.

Our Restoration Process

Scientific Study

We conducted water tests, identified pollution sources, and mapped lake conditions to design a data-driven restoration plan.

Habitat Restoration

Native plants and strengthened shorelines restore natural habitats and support a healthier lake ecosystem.

Community Engagement

Volunteers, schools, and residents joined awareness sessions and clean-up drives, building collective responsibility for the lake.

Sustainable Monitoring

Regular assessments, plantation care, and seasonal upkeep ensure long-term protection and preserve the revived lake ecosystem.

Pleasant Valley Lake Restoration Journey

Explore the restoration journey, ecological transformation, and community efforts through video.

Our Impact

Restoration Impact — By the Numbers

Water quality improved

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Native plants restored

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Bird species returned

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Volunteers participated

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GET INVOLVED — Be Part of the Change

Support the Mission

Support lake restoration, biodiversity protection, and community programs through your contribution.

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Join as Volunteer

Join hands in clean-ups, plantation drives, and awareness events to help revive our lakes.

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CSR Partnership

Collaborate with us through CSR to support long-term environmental conservation and impact.

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