Introduction
Once a neglected and polluted water body in Hyderabad, Barlakunta Lake stood as a symbol of environmental degradation—choked with plastic, sewage, and weeds. Today, it represents hope, revival, and what determined community action can achieve. Led by Dhruvansh NGO, an environmental NGO in Hyderabad, the transformation of Barlakunta Lake is now a model project for urban lake restoration across Telangana.
🛑 The Crisis: What Happened to Barlakunta?
Years of neglect had turned Barlakunta into a dump yard for sewage and plastic. Once a freshwater lake that supported local biodiversity and recharged groundwater, it was barely recognizable.
- Invasive species like water hyacinth clogged the surface
- Dumping of garbage and industrial runoff led to water toxicity
- Locals avoided the lake due to foul smell and mosquito breeding
Barlakunta was dying—and with it, a piece of Hyderabad’s natural heritage.
🌱 The Dhruvansh Intervention: From Awareness to Action
Recognizing the lake’s potential, Dhruvansh NGO launched a multi-phase restoration drive. Unlike isolated clean-ups, this was a scientific and community-driven process:
🔍 Phase 1: Survey and Assessment
- Water quality tested for pH, BOD, COD, and heavy metals
- Mapped sewage inlets and identified pollution sources
- Documented pre-restoration photos and local testimonials
🧹 Phase 2: Physical Clean-Up
- Cleared plastic waste and sludge with the help of volunteers
- Removed invasive weeds and aquatic plants
- Installed trash traps at inlets to reduce future dumping
🌾 Phase 3: Eco-Restoration
- Planted over 300 native saplings and aquatic species
- Set up rainwater harvesting pits around the lake
- Introduced floating bio-islands to improve water oxygenation
👥 Phase 4: Community Participation
- Awareness campaigns in nearby schools and apartments
- Installed informative signage around the lake
- Hosted yoga, birdwatching, and lake walks to reconnect people with nature
As part of the restoration strategy, Dhruvansh NGO adopted sustainable, innovative solutions rooted in both science and care for the ecosystem:
🌿 1. Floating Treatment Wetlands (FTWs)
We installed FTWs—man-made floating islands planted with native vegetation. These act as natural filters, absorbing pollutants while supporting aquatic life.
- Purifies water
- Enhances biodiversity
- Adds green beauty to the lake
☀️ 2. Solar Floating Aerators
To combat stagnation and oxygen depletion, we deployed solar-powered aerators. These not only improve water health but also operate on clean, renewable energy.
🔋 3. Renewable Energy-Based Restoration
From solar-powered lights around the lake to low-energy pumping systems, we’ve embedded green tech throughout the project, reducing long-term operational costs and emissions.
🌧️ 4. Stormwater Management & Treatment
Rainwater runoff carried pollutants into the lake. We built:
- Sediment traps and diversion trenches
- Bioswales for natural filtration
- Structures to channel only treated stormwater into the lake
🐟 5. Aquatic Biodiversity Enhancement
We worked to re-establish a balanced ecosystem:
- Reintroduced native fish species
- Cultivated aquatic plants like lotus, lily, and reeds
- Created bird nesting zones and insect-friendly habitats
Today, Barlakunta is not just cleaner—it is alive.
📸 Before & After: A Lake Reborn
Before: A stagnant, dark water body choked with plastic and algae.
After: A vibrant lake, clean and surrounded by greenery—with birds returning and children playing nearby.
This transformation has become a symbol of community-driven environmental success.
💡 Key Learnings from Barlakunta Lake Restoration
- Community is the catalyst for change
- Natural systems restore faster when we stop polluting
- Innovative solutions like FTWs and solar aerators are scalable and effective
- Love-led action fosters long-term stewardship
🧭 A Model for Future Lakes
The Barlakunta Lake project is now a reference model for other lakes like Kokapet Lake and Mushki Cheruvu, where Dhruvansh is actively engaged. Urban planners and civic bodies look to this success as proof that:
- Public-private partnerships work
- Scientific methods + people’s participation = sustainable impact
- Lakes are not liabilities—they’re living ecosystems worth protecting
🫶 Join the Movement
At Dhruvansh NGO, we believe every polluted lake can be transformed—with science, community, and heart. Whether you’re a volunteer, donor, student, or citizen, you can make a difference.
👉 Support our upcoming lake restorations
👉 Volunteer with us every Sunday at Kokapet Lake
👉 Follow us on Instagram for real-time updates
Let’s bring back Hyderabad’s lost lakes—one drop at a time.
📍 About Dhruvansh NGO
Dhruvansh is a leading environmental NGO in Hyderabad, focused on lake restoration, climate action, and biodiversity conservation. Our mission is to protect urban water bodies, promote eco-awareness, and build greener communities for the next generation.
