Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Residents Challenge HYDRAA Lake Restoration Near Sunnam Cheruvu
Residents near Sunnam Cheruvu are worried about work being done by HYDRAA.
They say workers may be digging unlawfully and could dismantle or move a temple.
The residents also say a court case about the land is still pending and that a status quo order is in place.
HYDRAA says it is restoring a lake that had become polluted and smaller because of encroachments.
The agency says the lake grew from 14.20 acres to 30.5 acres after the work.
It also says it removed sewage and a large amount of plastic waste.
HYDRAA says it is improving the Anjaneya Temple rather than demolishing it.
Residents planned to visit the site with documents and maps to explain their concerns.
The lake project and temple work are expected to be completed soon.
Residents of SIET Maruthi Hills Colony alleged unlawful digging and proposed temple dismantling near Sunnam Cheruvu.
Residents said a High Court land dispute was under a status quo order and awaiting judgment.
HYDRAA said it restored the lake from 14.20 acres to 30.5 acres after removing encroachments.
The agency said it cleared sewage and three metres of plastic waste and halted sewage-related operations.
HYDRAA said temple improvements, lake facilities and preparations for the project’s inauguration were nearing completion.
- Who
- Residents and plot owners of SIET Maruthi Hills Colony, and the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA).
- What
- Residents objected to alleged digging and possible dismantling or relocation of a temple, while HYDRAA defended its lake restoration and temple development works.
- When
- Residents said they would visit the site on Saturday morning; the works were described as nearing completion.
- Where
- Survey Nos. 12 and 13 of Guttala Begumpet, near Sunnam Cheruvu.
- Why
- Residents cited a pending High Court land dispute and a status quo order; HYDRAA said it was restoring an encroached, polluted lake and improving facilities.
Residents’ objections
HYDRAA’s response
Land and construction work
Residents’ objections
Residents alleged unlawful digging and said the land dispute was pending before the High Court under a status quo order.
HYDRAA’s response
HYDRAA said it was carrying out restoration and development works to recover the lake from encroachments.
Anjaneya Temple
Residents’ objections
Residents alleged that the temple was proposed to be dismantled and relocated.
HYDRAA’s response
HYDRAA said it was developing the temple, including a gopuram, pathway, devotee walkway, gazebo and fountain statue, and alleged that claims of demolition were intended to stall the work.
Impact of the lake project
Residents’ objections
Residents and plot owners sought further clarification and planned to present documents, maps and other records at the site.
HYDRAA’s response
HYDRAA said it expanded the lake without demolishing residential structures, cleared sewage and plastic waste, and was arranging housing for people formerly living in huts within the full tank level area.
- Lake area before restoration
- 14.20 acres, according to HYDRAA.
- Lake area after restoration
- 30.5 acres, according to HYDRAA.
- Waste removed
- HYDRAA said it cleared three metres of accumulated plastic waste.
- Court status
- Residents said a High Court dispute was subject to a status quo order and awaiting judgment.
- Pollutants cited
- HYDRAA referred to mercury, lead, arsenic, fluoride and pesticides identified in a Pollution Control Board report.
- Planned inauguration
- Preparations were under way for an inauguration by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.
- Housing arrangements
- HYDRAA said double-bedroom houses were being arranged for people who had lived in huts inside the lake’s full tank level area.