Kudikunta Lake restoration completed, marking the revival of an urban water body

Kudikunta Lake in Kondapur, Hyderabad, was inaugurated on February 28th following the completion of restoration efforts undertaken by Sai Life Sciences as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative in collaboration with the Society for Advancement of Human Endeavour (SAHE). The event marked the culmination of several months of work to restore a previously degraded urban water body. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Chief Guest Arekapudi Gandhi, MLA of the Serilingampally constituency, who facilitated regulatory approvals and supported the execution of the project. Until recently, Kudikunta Lake faced severe environmental challenges. Years of sewage inflow, solid waste dumping, and neglect had turned the lake into a methane-producing sludge, rendering its surroundings uninhabitable. It was marked by foul odors, stagnant water, and declining biodiversity, with the lake losing its ecological and social value.

The restoration effort addressed these issues through targeted interventions. A total of 42 sewage inlets were diverted, eliminating the direct inflow of wastewater into the lake. The water body is now sustained through a combination of rainwater runoff and treated water from the nearby Palapitta Sewage Treatment Plant, effectively removing stagnant black water and eliminating conditions for mosquito breeding. Desilting of the lake bed, along with the strengthening of embankments, helped improve the lake’s water-holding capacity. The introduction of native vegetation and fish further supported biodiversity and restored the lake ecosystem.

Residents have now begun to reconnect with the lake. The unpleasant odor that once defined the area has been eliminated, and the surroundings are now clean, accessible, and offer respite from the chaos of the city. The space is increasingly being used for walking and outdoor activities. Early signs of ecological recovery are also evident, with the return of a few bird species and gradual improvements in the local microclimate and groundwater levels.

“It is heartening to see such a marked difference from all of my past visits — from an unpleasant, abandoned space, to a place where people now come with their children and families to enjoy the lake, and find moments of quiet,” said Sudha Kanumuri, Head of CSR, Sai Life Sciences.
Kudikunta Lake now represents a restored urban water body developed through coordinated efforts between corporate, non-profit, and community stakeholders.