Hyderabad: After decades of neglect and severe encroachments, the historic Bum-Rukn-ud-Dowla Lake in the Old City is set to be opened to the public within the next 15 days, following an extensive restoration effort by HYDRAA.
The lake, once reduced to a fraction of its original size, has now been revived to its full 18-acre expanse, HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath said during his inspection on Tuesday.
From encroached ruin to revived heritage asset
The commissioner said the lake had shrunk to just 4.12 acres over the years due to rampant encroachments. A major eviction and reclamation drive carried out in August last year helped restore the lake to its original boundaries.
“The revival of Bum-Rukn-ud-Dowla Lake is not just an urban development project; it is the restoration of a priceless heritage and ecological asset,” he said.
Modern public amenities underway
During the field inspection, the commissioner reviewed the construction of peripheral bunds, inlets and outlets and three approach and entry routes. He directed officials to ensure easy pedestrian access for residents.
The development plan includes walking tracks for all age groups, play areas for children, seating zones for senior citizens, open-air gyms, lawns and landscaped parks and comprehensive lighting around the lake. To enhance public safety, CCTV cameras are being installed and will be monitored directly from the HYDRAA headquarters.
Islamic architectural design to preserve Old City character
The commissioner instructed that entry gates and gazebos being constructed around the lake should reflect Islamic architectural traditions, in keeping with the cultural identity of the Old City.
He also proposed planting medicinal plants, aromatic flowering shrubs and shade-bearing trees, recreating the historic ambience associated with the lake during the Nizam era.
Flood mitigation and groundwater recharge are a priority
Special emphasis is being placed on strengthening the outlet channels to ensure smooth drainage during heavy rains and to prevent flooding in surrounding neighbourhoods. The rejuvenated lake is also expected to significantly improve groundwater recharge in the region.
GHMC Zonal Commissioner Srinivas Reddy informed the HYDRAA Commissioner that road widening and related infrastructure development works around the lake had already been taken up.
Nizam-era legacy dating back to 1770
Built in 1770 by Nawab Rukn-ud-Daula, then Prime Minister to the third Nizam Sikandar Jah, the lake occupies an important place in Hyderabad’s history.
Historians also said that the lake once had large plantations of medicinal herbs, water from a specially built well beneath the lake was used exclusively by the Nizams, fragrant flowers grown around the lake were used for perfume extraction, and the scented water was reportedly exported to Arab countries.
Residents hail the transformation
Residents have welcomed the revival with enthusiasm, calling it a long-overdue development for the Old City.
They expressed happiness that a forgotten historic water body is being restored to its former glory and praised the State government and HYDRA for executing the project efficiently.
“The lake’s restoration is not just reviving water storage but also restoring the pride and identity of the Old City,” they said.
