Hyderabad, known for its heritage and rapid urban development, is also home to hundreds of lakes and water bodies. These lakes were once lifelines for drinking water, agriculture, biodiversity, and climate control. Today, however, many of them are choked with sewage, plastic waste, encroachments, and neglect.
But all is not lost. Environmental NGOs like Dhruvansh are on a mission to revive these lakes—and in doing so, they’re protecting the future of water in Hyderabad. This blog dives deep into why lake restoration is no longer a choice but a necessity.
💧 The Disappearing Lakes of Hyderabad
Did you know Hyderabad had over 3,000 lakes in the early 20th century? Today, less than a third remain identifiable, and many of them are either dry, polluted, or encroached upon. The reasons for this sharp decline include:
- Urban encroachments and real estate development
- Sewage dumping and industrial pollution
- Plastic waste and solid garbage accumulation
- Lack of community awareness and involvement
Without immediate action, Hyderabad could face a serious water crisis, especially with its growing population and limited rainfall.
🚨 Why Lake Restoration is a Matter of Urgency
Here’s how restoring lakes can directly impact Hyderabad’s water sustainability:
1. ✅ Groundwater Recharge
Lakes play a key role in recharging underground aquifers, which are essential for drinking water and agriculture. A well-maintained lake allows rainwater to seep into the earth, replenishing groundwater levels and reducing dependency on borewells.
🌿 “Kokapet Lake, which Dhruvansh is currently restoring, is a great example of how a dying lake can once again become a source of groundwater revival.”
2. ✅ Natural Flood Management
Urban flooding is becoming a regular phenomenon in Hyderabad. Lakes act as natural buffers, absorbing excess rainwater and preventing floods. Without them, the rainwater has nowhere to go, resulting in waterlogging, erosion, and infrastructure damage.
3. ✅ Local Climate Regulation
Lakes help cool down the surroundings by regulating local microclimates. When lakes disappear, the city experiences higher temperatures, reduced rainfall, and increased pollution levels.
4. ✅ Biodiversity Support
Healthy lakes support a wide variety of flora and fauna. Birds, fish, insects, and plants rely on clean water bodies to survive. By restoring lakes, we are preserving Hyderabad’s ecological balance and supporting urban wildlife.
🌱 Dhruvansh NGO: Leading the Lake Restoration Movement
At Dhruvansh, an environmental NGO in Hyderabad, we believe that every lake tells a story, and every restoration project rewrites it with hope.
Our Ongoing Projects:
- Kokapet Lake (Kotha Cheruvu) – Currently undergoing desilting, bund strengthening, and biodiversity enrichment.
- Muskhi Cheruvu – Focused on community awareness, water quality improvement, and planting native species.
- Barlakunta Lake – Almost completed, this project is now a local model of what sustainable lake restoration can look like.
Our efforts go beyond cleaning; we work on reviving the lake ecosystem, involving local communities, and ensuring long-term sustainability through education and partnership.
🙌 How You Can Help
Lake restoration isn’t just the responsibility of the government or NGOs—it’s everyone’s duty. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Volunteer with Dhruvansh during clean-up drives or plantation events
- Sponsor a tree or a lake zone for restoration
- Attend workshops and awareness programs about sustainable water practices
- Spread the word on social media and in your community
✨ “A small effort from each of us can lead to big changes for our lakes and for future generations.”
🌍 The Future of Hyderabad Depends on Water
Water scarcity is not a distant threat—it’s a reality knocking on our door. Lake restoration offers us a sustainable and climate-resilient solution to this challenge. With every lake revived, we secure:
- Better water availability
- Healthier ecosystems
- Cleaner air and cooler cities
- Stronger community bonds
At Dhruvansh NGO, we envision a Hyderabad where lakes thrive, water flows freely, and every citizen takes pride in preserving nature.
📢 Join the Movement Today!
Let’s restore our lakes—not just for us, but for the generations to come. Be part of the movement that is rewriting Hyderabad’s water story.
👉 Follow Dhruvansh NGO on social media
👉 Join our upcoming lake clean-up drive
👉 Donate or volunteer to help protect a lake near you
