HYDRAA launches Fox Sagar Lake development; plans STP for preventing sewage, industrial effluents

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Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) Commissioner A.V. Ranganath said that most of the encroachments over 150 acres of the Fox Sagar Lake’s 500 acres, were removed. | Photo Credit: BY ARRANGEMENT

The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) on Friday (November 13, 2026) launched restoration works at Fox Sagar lake in Jeedimetla, Medchal-Malkajgiri district, with plans to develop it as a mini reservoir and mini Tank Bund.

HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath performed the ground-breaking ceremony and said the lake would be comprehensively developed within a year. The works would include removal of encroachments and accumulated silt, treatment of polluted water and strengthening of the lake bund and its inlet and outlet systems.

Mr. Ranganath said the lake, which had been polluted by sewage and industrial chemical waste, had accumulated silt of nearly five metres depth, preventing water from percolating into the ground. The restoration aimed to increase its storage capacity from the existing 1,000 million litres to 4,000 million litres.

Water samples from the lake and groundwater in the surrounding areas would be tested by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) before and after the restoration works. A sewage treatment plant would be established to prevent untreated sewage and industrial effluents from entering the lake. Measures would also be taken to allow rainwater into the lake and strengthen flood management arrangements.

Built in 1897 during the Nizam’s rule, Fox Sagar supplied water for irrigation and drinking purposes to Secunderabad. Storm water channels connected it to Hussain Sagar, while a stone pump house on the bund was used for drinking water supply. HYDRAA would seek the assistance of European experts to restore the damaged heritage pump house, Mr. Ranganath said. A ring bund would also be developed around the lake.

The lake is spread over nearly 500 acres, of which about 150 acres had been identified as encroachments. Most of these had already been removed, he said. However, houses that existed before the formation of HYDRAA on July 19, 2024, would not be demolished. Those losing plots or land in approved layouts would be eligible for Transferable Development Rights (TDR) as per rules.

A 10-metre buffer zone would be considered to protect the main bund and surrounding areas. Measures concerning temples and other structures below the bund would be taken keeping flood risks in view, he said, adding that the works were aimed at environmental protection, public safety and development of water resources.

The agency said it aimed to complete the works required to store water before the next monsoon and undertake the overall development of the lake within a year.

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