The Telangana government is seeking greater participation from corporates in the development and rejuvenation of Hyderabad’s lakes through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding, with a particular focus on smaller water bodies across the city.
The appeal was made during CSR Round Table 2.0, organised by the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Department and the Sports Department to encourage stronger corporate involvement in restoring and protecting Hyderabad’s lakes.
Special Chief Secretary, MA&UD, Jayesh Ranjan, and HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath urged companies to consider lake restoration and environmental conservation as part of their CSR initiatives.
Focus on Smaller Lakes
Officials called for increased CSR support for smaller lakes, which play an important role in Hyderabad’s local ecology and water management system.
The government believes corporate participation can complement ongoing efforts by government agencies and help accelerate the restoration of water bodies that require additional resources for development and maintenance.
CSR-funded interventions could contribute towards improving lake infrastructure while supporting broader environmental conservation efforts across the city.
Lakes Critical for Flood Control and Water Security
During the meeting, officials highlighted the importance of Hyderabad’s lakes in maintaining the city’s ecological balance, controlling urban flooding and meeting future water requirements.
Restoring and protecting water bodies can improve their ability to retain rainwater and strengthen the city’s resilience against extreme rainfall and flooding.
Officials also emphasised that maintaining healthy lakes will become increasingly important as Hyderabad’s population and water demand continue to grow.
HYDRAA Outlines Lake Development Work
HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath presented details of the lake development and rejuvenation works undertaken by the agency during its first and second phases.
He also announced that the government has approved the third phase of lake development works, which is expected to further expand restoration efforts across Hyderabad.
The next phase could provide additional opportunities for corporates to participate in lake conservation through CSR partnerships.
Government, Corporates and Citizens to Work Together
Ranganath called for greater collaboration between government agencies, corporates and citizens to protect Hyderabad’s water bodies.
He said stronger corporate participation, particularly in the restoration of smaller lakes, could help strengthen environmental protection while contributing to the city’s long-term water security and climate resilience.
The CSR initiative seeks to create a collaborative model in which corporate funding supports government-led restoration efforts while citizens and local communities contribute towards protecting the rejuvenated water bodies.
With Hyderabad facing increasing challenges related to urban flooding, water security and environmental degradation, officials believe that combining public resources with CSR funding could accelerate the city’s transition towards a more sustainable and resilient urban environment.
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