CM Revanth Reddy Inaugurates Restored Bam Rukn-ud-Daula Lake in Hyderabad After Major Restoration Drive
Hyderabad’s historic Bam Rukn-ud-Daula Lake restoration public opening marks a major milestone as the city revives lakes under HYDRAA’s large-scale restoration programme.
Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy inaugurated the restored Bam Rukn-ud-Daula Lake at Shivarampally in Hyderabad as part of the city’s ongoing lake restoration programme. The historic water body, which dates back to the Nizam era, has been rejuvenated by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) under its large-scale initiative to restore and protect lakes across the city.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by MP Asaduddin Owaisi, MP A.K.Y. Online, Bahadurpura MLA Mohammed Mubeen, MLC Mirza Rahmath Baig, and HYDRAA Commissioner A. V. Ranganath. Before the formal inauguration, the Chief Minister also visited several stalls set up near the lake premises.
Officials stated that the lake, originally spread over 104 acres, had gradually shrunk over the years due to encroachments and urban expansion. Later, the lake was recorded at 17.05 acres by HMDA, and before the restoration work began, only 4.12 acres of water spread remained. In August 2024, HYDRAA removed illegal encroachments and restored the lake to its officially notified extent.
The restoration project also included strengthening the lake bund with traditional stonework, development of a walking track, installation of an open gym, creation of children’s play areas, seating spaces for elders, and plantation of medicinal and shade-giving trees. Three access points have been developed around the lake, while CCTV surveillance connected to headquarters has been installed for monitoring.
Authorities said the lake now has specially designed inlets to channel rainwater from Rajendranagar and Aramghar, which will help reduce flood risks in surrounding areas. The restored lake is expected to serve as both an ecological space and a recreational area for residents of the Old City.
The Bam Rukn-ud-Daula Lake restoration is part of HYDRAA’s Phase-I lake rejuvenation programme, under which six lakes have been identified for development. Bathukamma Kunta was inaugurated on September 28 last year, while Kukatpally Nalla Cheruvu is expected to be opened to the public in the coming days. Officials said three more lakes are currently under development, and 14 additional lakes have been identified for restoration under Phase-II.
