SOURCE :- SIASAT NEWS
Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Wednesday, November 11, inaugurated the Tammidikunta lake in Madhapur, which has been restored by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA).
Actor Akkineni Nagarjuna, whose past with the lake restoration drive has been tumultuous, was also present at the event as the guest of honour.
His property, N Convention Centre, was torn down by HYDRAA in August 2024 for allegedly encroaching on the lake’s Full Tank Level (FTL).
Aggrieved by the demolition, Nagarjuna had approached the Telangana High Court for relief. Later in a post on X, he had said that the demolition was carried out without prior notice.
He had said he was “deeply pained” by the “unlawful manner” in which the demolition was carried out. He had also claimed that no part of the tank was encroached by his property.
Two years later, on the day of the inauguration, Nagarjuna was invited as a guest of honour for “extending support” for the lake development.
‘Had preconceived notions’
Speaking on the occasion, the actor praised Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s vision for lakes and rivers. He also said that he initially had some “preconceived notions” about HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath but was convinced by the officer and their mission after meeting him.
“When I met him (Ranganath) for the first time, I had some preconceived notions in my mind. But he sat me down and explained things so patiently, convincing me thoroughly. Once he explained it, I felt, ‘This is what we should do, right?’ This is what we need to do for the city, right?” Nagarjuna said.
He said that the lake has helped improve groundwater and prevent flooding in the area. “Ranganath garu already mentioned earlier that the groundwater level here has risen by 4 metres because of this lake. And how many times have I been stuck in traffic jams in front of Shilparamam? Now, all that water is going to come right here beneath this area,” he added.
He also expressed willingness to shoot his films at the lake.
Tammidikunta restoration
The water body, which had been reduced to 16.2 acres, now spans 29.3 acres.
Before restoration, the area was plagued by foul-smelling sewage and was used for dumping construction debris, garbage and biomedical waste.
As many as 30,000 truckloads of silt were removed from the lake.
HYDRAA has now built a 1.6-kilometre pathway, a modern open-air gym and a children’s play area around the lake so that it can serve as a recreational space.
The lake has also regained its natural features, including its capacity to control monsoon flooding and help replenish groundwater.
SOURCE : SIASAT
