Saroornagar Lake: Hyderabad’s Ecological Heritage at Risk
Flowing through the vibrant urban landscape of Hyderabad, Saroornagar Lake stands as one of the city’s oldest and most significant water bodies. Located in the Saroornagar suburb, this lake was originally constructed in the 16th century during the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah to serve as a vital source of irrigation and drinking water for the surrounding communities.
Over centuries, Saroornagar Lake has not only supported Hyderabad’s agriculture but also acted as an ecological sanctuary, hosting diverse flora and fauna, and providing cultural and recreational space for residents. The lake’s historical importance is deeply entwined with Hyderabad’s identity, reflecting the city’s dependency on natural water resources to sustain urban life and livelihoods.
However, like many urban lakes across India, Saroornagar Lake now faces a growing crisis. Rapid urbanization and industrial growth have brought mounting environmental stress in the form of untreated sewage inflow, solid waste dumping, and encroachment. Studies reveal alarming levels of water pollution, including high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) readings, signaling severe deterioration in water quality.
The lake’s ecological balance is under threat as native fish species dwindle and migratory bird visits decline, further echoing the broader environmental degradation challenges Hyderabad is experiencing. The health of Saroornagar Lake has become a barometer for the city’s urban sustainability, making its revival essential not only for biodiversity conservation but also for ensuring community health and economic well-being.
The neglect and degradation of Saroornagar Lake mirror a pattern seen in many Indian cities where water bodies suffer due to lack of effective river cleanup and lake restoration efforts. In Hyderabad, this problem is exacerbated by fragmented governance and limited community participation.
However, there is renewed hope with organizations like Earth5R leading innovative and scalable solutions that emphasize data-driven lake cleaning , community mobilization, and circular economy principles. Drawing lessons from successful initiatives such as the Mumbai River Cleanup supported by the United Nations and partnerships with institutions like MIT, Earth5R brings credibility and a structured approach to restoring urban water bodies in cities like Hyderabad.
By focusing on water pollution management, waste recycling and community-based stewardship, Hyderabad can set a precedent under the national Smart Cities Mission for balancing urban development with environmental responsibility.
Key Problems Facing Saroornagar Lake
Sewage and Wastewater Pollution
One of the most critical issues plaguing Saroornagar Lake is the inflow of untreated sewage and wastewater from the rapidly expanding neighborhoods of Hyderabad.
According to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), the city generates approximately 600 million liters per day (MLD) of sewage, but the available treatment infrastructure falls short, creating a substantial sewage treatment gap.
This untreated wastewater flows directly into urban lakes, including Saroornagar, leading to elevated levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD), both key indicators of water quality deterioration.
The presence of fecal coliform bacteria further indicates serious public health hazards, especially for communities that interact with the lake or depend on groundwater recharge zones nearby. Such pollution not only threatens aquatic life but also jeopardizes community health, making sewage management a critical priority for the lake’s restoration.
Solid Waste Dumping
In addition to sewage, solid waste dumping remains a persistent and growing threat to Saroornagar Lake’s fragile ecosystem. Environmental studies conducted by local NGOs have revealed that the lake receives daily inputs of plastic waste, construction debris, and household garbage. This contributes not only to physical blockages but also to chemical contamination of lake waters.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has repeatedly emphasized the impact of plastic pollution in Indian water bodies, pointing to the urgent need for systematic intervention.
The accumulation of plastics and non-biodegradable waste undermines the lake’s natural filtration capacity and harms aquatic species. The failure of effective plastic waste management in Hyderabad underscores the need for decentralized recycling initiatives and strict waste segregation at the source. Without addressing these issues, the lake’s ecological restoration will remain incomplete and unsustainable.
Water Quality Degradation
The water quality of Saroornagar Lake has declined dramatically over the past decade. According to monitoring data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the lake regularly shows low levels of dissolved oxygen (DO), which is insufficient to sustain healthy aquatic ecosystems.
In addition, the presence of heavy metals such as lead and mercury — likely stemming from industrial runoff and urban effluents — has been detected in various sediment and water samples.
Other visible symptoms include foul odors, greenish water due to algal blooms, and murky discoloration, all indicative of eutrophication and nutrient overload. These factors combine to create a hostile environment for native fish and plant species, thereby disrupting the lake’s biodiversity and natural resilience.

This infographic visually depicts land use and rainfall distribution patterns around Saroornagar Lake. It highlights the significant shifts in vegetation, built-up areas, and precipitation levels—crucial indicators for planning the lake’s sustainable revival.
Loss of Biodiversity
Once a thriving habitat, Saroornagar Lake’s ecological richness is now in decline. According to ecological surveys by Osmania University, the lake has experienced a significant reduction in native fish species and aquatic plant populations over the last 15 years. The loss of biodiversity includes a sharp decline in migratory bird sightings, which were once common during winter months.
This reduction in species diversity weakens the lake’s ecological balance, making it more vulnerable to environmental stressors. It also affects the livelihoods of local fishermen and other community members who rely on the lake for economic sustenance. The loss of habitat is a direct result of pollution, encroachment, and habitat fragmentation.
Lake Encroachment
Encroachment of the lake’s boundaries is another pressing concern. As urban sprawl intensifies, illegal constructions, informal settlements, and dumping sites have steadily invaded the lake’s catchment area. Surveys conducted by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) estimate that nearly 20% of the lake’s buffer zone has been encroached upon, severely reducing the lake’s capacity to store rainwater.
Encroachments not only shrink the lake’s natural recharge zones but also intensify pollution through unregulated activities. Protecting and restoring the lake’s natural boundaries through legal enforcement and community vigilance is essential for long-term water security in Hyderabad.
Groundwater Contamination
The pollution of Saroornagar Lake has had a ripple effect, particularly on the groundwater quality of nearby neighborhoods. Research from the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) indicates elevated nitrate levels and traces of heavy metals in residential wells, indicating leaching of contaminants from the lake basin into subsurface aquifers.
This has serious health implications for communities reliant on groundwater for drinking water and agriculture. Prolonged exposure to contaminated water can result in methemoglobinemia, neurological disorders, and cancer risks.
These findings highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive watershed management strategy, integrating lake restoration with groundwater protection to safeguard urban health and resilience.
Consequences of Neglecting Saroornagar Lake
Public Health Risks
The deterioration of Saroornagar Lake’s water quality has had direct repercussions on public health. Contaminated water and groundwater have led to a spike in waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid in the nearby communities.
Furthermore, stagnant, polluted water bodies can increase mosquito breeding grounds, contributing to vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue. These health challenges disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, exacerbating social inequalities.
Increased Urban Flooding
Poor management of Saroornagar Lake has also intensified urban flooding risks in Hyderabad. During monsoon seasons, the lake’s reduced capacity due to siltation, encroachment, and solid waste accumulation leads to overflow and waterlogging in adjacent localities.
Historical flood data indicates that improper lake maintenance contributed significantly to the 2018 Hyderabad floods, causing widespread damage and displacement. Improving lake health is therefore critical not just for ecological reasons but for urban disaster resilience as well.
Economic Losses
The neglect of Saroornagar Lake has economic consequences that are often overlooked. The decline in water quality and biodiversity has led to reduced tourism and recreational use of the lake, limiting income opportunities for local vendors and service providers.
Additionally, the health burden due to pollution-related diseases adds to medical expenses for families and public health systems. Property values in areas surrounding the lake have also stagnated or decreased, reflecting reduced desirability due to environmental degradation. Thus, lake restoration holds not only environmental but also economic benefits.
Social Inequality
The consequences of Saroornagar Lake’s neglect are not evenly distributed. Poorer communities living close to the lake face greater exposure to pollution, flooding, and health risks, lacking the resources to adapt or relocate.
This disparity highlights the intersection of environmental degradation and social justice issues in urban India. Addressing lake restoration, therefore, requires inclusive approaches that empower marginalized groups through community engagement, training, and livelihood programs linked to environmental conservation.
Why Past Efforts Have Failed
Fragmented Governance and Policy Paralysis
Despite numerous efforts by government bodies and local agencies, the restoration of Saroornagar Lake has seen limited success due to the fragmented responsibilities between various authorities. Entities like the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB), and the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) often operate in silos.
This disjointed governance leads to confusion, delays, and inefficient coordination, ultimately stalling the implementation of cohesive lake restoration strategies.
Beautification Over Ecological Rehabilitation
Many past initiatives have prioritized aesthetic improvements, such as the construction of walking paths and parks, without addressing core ecological concerns like sewage treatment, biodiversity loss, and solid waste management.
While such efforts may improve the lake’s visual appeal, they do not resolve the underlying environmental problems, including high BOD and COD levels, which continue to degrade water quality.
Lack of Real-Time Monitoring Infrastructure
Another critical shortfall is the absence of public monitoring systems. Pollution incidents and illegal dumping often go undetected until the damage is visible.
In contrast, cities like Mumbai and Pune have begun deploying IoT sensor-based tracking systems under the Smart Cities Mission to enable real-time pollution monitoring, allowing for timely interventions and better resource allocation. Hyderabad still lacks such infrastructure.
Limited Community Engagement and Stewardship
Most restoration projects have suffered from a lack of sustained public participation. Without ongoing citizen engagement, environmental initiatives struggle to maintain momentum. Residents often remain unaware or disconnected from the lake’s ecological crisis, leading to a breakdown in community stewardship—a key element in sustainable waterbody management.
Models of inclusive cleanup, like those led by Earth5R, show the power of volunteer networks, resident involvement, and school-led programs in creating a sense of ownership.
Neglected Role of CSR and ESG Participation
Another overlooked factor in Hyderabad’s lake restoration failure is the lack of structured Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) integration. The city hosts a large number of tech parks and corporations, but few have consistently supported environmental NGOs or climate action initiatives for Saroornagar Lake.
In contrast, globally successful models like the Thames River revival in London and the Rhine River restoration in Germany were accelerated through sustained private-sector involvement under Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks.
India has its own successful case: the Mumbai River Cleanup by Earth5R, backed by CSR funds, green jobs training, and UN Environment partnerships. These efforts highlight how corporate engagement can bring financial resources, innovation, and scale to environmental restoration.
Hyderabad’s lack of similar partnerships has left projects financially under-resourced and operationally fragmented, stressing the urgent need for CSR-backed environmental programs in the city.
What Needs to Be Done: The Blueprint for Complete River Restoration
A holistic and multi-layered approach is essential for the successful restoration of Saroornagar Lake, combining scientific interventions with social participation and sustainable economic models.
Zero Untreated Sewage
The foremost priority is eliminating the discharge of untreated sewage into the lake. This requires upgrading existing sewage treatment plants (STPs) and constructing new ones with adequate capacity to match Hyderabad’s growing population.
Advanced treatment technologies such as biological nutrient removal should be adopted to reduce BOD and COD levels effectively. Regular compliance monitoring and strict enforcement of pollution norms are also vital to prevent industrial effluents from entering the lake.
Solid Waste to Circular Economy
Addressing solid waste requires shifting from dumping to a circular economy model focused on waste reduction, segregation, and recycling. Localized Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) can help manage waste efficiently at the neighborhood level, while awareness campaigns encourage residents to minimize plastic usage and practice responsible disposal.
Partnerships with corporate entities under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) frameworks can support recycling drives and infrastructure development. Promoting sustainable livelihoods through green jobs linked to waste management further incentivizes community participation.
Ecological Restoration
Restoring the lake’s ecological balance involves reintroducing native plant species along the shoreline, creating biodiversity corridors, and establishing wetlands to act as natural water filters. Scientific assessment of the lake’s biodiversity baseline is necessary to monitor progress and guide interventions.
Rehabilitating fish habitats and promoting migratory bird-friendly zones will revive biodiversity and enhance the lake’s resilience to climate change.
Community Ownership Models
Fostering community ownership through riverkeeper programs and citizen science initiatives builds sustained stewardship. Training and workshops on environmental awareness and sustainable practices empower local residents to actively monitor and protect the lake. Schools and colleges can be engaged through environmental courses and certification programs, cultivating the next generation of environmental leaders.
In cities like Mumbai, Earth5R has successfully demonstrated how community-based river cleanup efforts—supported by local volunteers, NGOs, and corporate CSR teams—can lead to tangible ecological restoration.
These models emphasize inclusive participation, where even marginalized groups find roles through green jobs and skill development programs.
For Saroornagar Lake, a similar decentralized and participatory approach can foster long-term behavioral change and collective responsibility. Initiatives like Eco Citizen Apps and neighborhood-based monitoring tools can make environmental data accessible to everyone, ensuring transparency and driving meaningful citizen engagement in lake conservation.
Transparent Real-Time Data Monitoring
Implementing IoT-enabled real-time water quality monitoring systems linked to public dashboards enhances transparency and accountability.
Such technology-driven platforms allow stakeholders, including citizens and policymakers, to track pollution trends and respond proactively. This approach has proven effective in Earth5R’s work on the Mumbai River Cleanup project, which leverages data analytics to optimize interventions.
Earth5R BlueCities: The Proven, Scalable Solution
Data-Driven River Health Diagnosis
Earth5R’s BlueCities initiative provides a scientific and structured approach to rejuvenating urban water bodies such as Saroornagar Lake. Central to the model is data-driven river health diagnostics, where scientific water quality assessments guide the implementation of targeted restoration strategies. This ensures efficient resource allocation, accountability, and measurable ecological impact.
Community-First Mobilization and CSR Engagement
Earth5R places community mobilization at the core of its sustainability strategy. Through workshops and environmental education programs, Earth5R empowers local residents, students, and employees to take ownership of their ecosystems. The organization actively engages corporates through CSR initiatives, offering employee volunteering opportunities, skill-based training, and long-term partnership frameworks.
Circular Economy for Waste Management
Earth5R applies circular economy principles to transform waste into livelihood. Their model promotes waste segregation, recycling, and material recovery while training communities in green jobs tied to waste management systems. This creates a sustainable green economy, reducing pollution while boosting local employment.
Global Partnerships and Proven Track Record
Earth5R’s credibility is reinforced by its global partnerships, including with the United Nations for the Mumbai River Cleanup project, a large-scale initiative that combined science, citizen engagement, and technological innovation to clean rivers across India’s financial capital.
Their academic collaborations with institutions like MIT strengthen their access to cutting-edge environmental research, improving project design and impact assessment.
Smart City Alignment and ESG Integration
Earth5R’s work is closely aligned with the Smart Cities Mission of India. Through technology platforms, IoT sensors, and real-time dashboards, they enable pollution tracking, citizen reporting, and policy-level insights, embodying the principles of digital governance and urban resilience.
In addition, Earth5R facilitates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance for both corporates and municipal bodies, making sure that restoration activities adhere to global sustainability benchmarks and climate action goals.
Green Livelihoods and Inclusive Development
What sets Earth5R apart is its focus on livelihood generation through ecological restoration. They integrate waste management, environmental monitoring, and community education into a sustainable employment ecosystem, particularly for marginalized populations. This approach not only revitalizes the lake but also reduces poverty, fosters environmental literacy, and promotes inclusive urban development.
The Urgent Choice Before Us
The current state of Saroornagar Lake presents a clear and urgent choice: continue on the path of degradation or embrace a bold, structured restoration program. This water body is no longer just a scenic lake; it is a critical resource affecting public health, climate resilience, and economic wellbeing in Hyderabad. The mounting threats from water pollution, unchecked sewage discharge, and solid waste dumping demand immediate and sustained action.
Restoration is not merely an environmental imperative but a socio-economic necessity. With the right mix of scientific innovation, community engagement, and sustainable business models, revival of the lake’s ecological health is achievable within this generation.
Earth5R’s BlueCities initiative brings the expertise, technology, and community-first approach essential to translate this vision into reality. By integrating real-time monitoring, circular economy principles, and CSR-driven partnerships, Earth5R creates a replicable model that benefits both the environment and local livelihoods.
The time to act is now — for the lake, for the city of Hyderabad, and for future generations. Citizens, corporate bodies, and government agencies must unite to heal the lake. This collective effort can transform Saroornagar Lake from a symbol of neglect into a beacon of urban sustainability and climate action.

This infographic illustrates the drainage network, watershed boundary, and elevation profile of the Saroornagar Lake region. It emphasizes the lake’s hydrological connectivity and topography, essential for designing effective revival and sustainable water management strategies.
Data Snapshot Box Of Saroornagar Lake
To design effective river cleanup and ecological restoration strategies, it is essential to ground the effort in data. The following snapshot highlights the critical environmental indicators that reveal the current condition of Saroornagar Lake.
Indicator | Current Status | Source |
Sewage Treated | ~40% (estimated, GHMC report) | GHMC Sewage Management Report |
BOD Level | 8-12 mg/L (exceeds safe limits) | Telangana Pollution Control Board |
Biodiversity Loss | Approx. 50% aquatic species lost | Hyderabad University Ecological Survey |
Encroachment | 30% riverbank encroached | Urban Planning Survey, HMDA |
Plastic Waste Volume | ~500 tons/month dumped near lake | Local Environmental NGO Reports |
These figures are not just statistics; they tell the real story of a lake on the brink. Poor BOD levels, plastic waste accumulation, and high biodiversity loss affect not just the ecosystem, but the health, economy, and livelihoods of communities living near Saroornagar Lake.
Urban Sustainability Opportunities for Hyderabad
Broadening the vision beyond just lake restoration, Hyderabad has immense potential to become a model for urban sustainability by integrating river cleanup with holistic citywide environmental strategies.
Waste Management and Circular Economy
Hyderabad generates thousands of tons of solid waste daily, much of which currently ends up in landfills or water bodies. Enhancing waste segregation at source and expanding recycling infrastructure through decentralized Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) can drastically reduce the burden on Saroornagar Lake and other urban water bodies.
Corporate partnerships under CSR and government incentives can accelerate adoption of circular economy models that convert waste into valuable resources.
Sustainable Mobility and Transport
Vehicle emissions contribute significantly to urban air pollution, impacting both human health and the lake’s water quality through atmospheric deposition of pollutants. Expanding public transport, promoting electric vehicles, and developing green corridors aligned with the Smart Cities Mission can reduce Hyderabad’s carbon footprint and improve overall urban air and water quality.
Urban Green Spaces and Biodiversity
Restoring urban green spaces including parks, wetlands, and riverbanks can enhance biodiversity, improve microclimates, and support ecological corridors connecting Saroornagar Lake to other habitats. Projects aimed at increasing urban forests and green belts contribute to the city’s resilience against climate change and provide recreational and health benefits for residents.
Moreover, initiatives like the Telangana Haritha Haram afforestation program show the potential of large-scale green drives to rejuvenate ecological systems in urban zones. However, to make such projects impactful, it’s crucial to integrate community-based participation and continuous ecological monitoring.
Cities like Pune have successfully used urban biodiversity registers and citizen science projects to track local species and strengthen environmental awareness. Earth5R can play a pivotal role here by offering workshops and training programs focused on green infrastructure and ecosystem management—helping Hyderabad align its green development with sustainable goals.
Water Conservation and Management
Hyderabad’s growing water demands call for efficient water conservation measures such as rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and smart irrigation. Integrating these systems with lake restoration can maintain groundwater levels and reduce the pressure on freshwater sources.
In particular, buildings and institutions near Saroornagar Lake can adopt Rainwater Harvesting Structures (RHS) to directly recharge aquifers and improve local water security. Successful models from Chennai have proven how mandatory RHS policies can transform water availability in urban areas.
Partnering with Earth5R, local RWAs, schools, and businesses can implement certified environmental courses that train citizens on household-level water conservation, further strengthening Hyderabad’s journey towards urban sustainability and climate resilience.
Carbon Footprint Reduction and Climate Action
With increasing global climate challenges, Hyderabad must adopt ambitious programs targeting urban carbon neutrality. Corporate carbon audits and climate action plans tied to ESG standards will push industries and businesses to minimize their emissions while supporting environmental projects such as Saroornagar Lake restoration.
Citizen Sustainability Engagement
Educating and engaging citizens through eco-citizen apps, public green awards, and sustainability education programs builds a culture of environmental responsibility. Platforms promoting citizen participation and community-based monitoring ensure long-term stewardship of urban natural resources.
Earth5R’s BlueCities initiative is uniquely positioned to guide this transformation at every step, offering scientifically-backed solutions, community empowerment, and sustainable economic models tailored to the city’s needs.
Together, through committed partnerships and grassroots engagement, the revival of Saroornagar Lake can become a blueprint for restoring India’s urban water bodies and building a greener, more inclusive future.
-Authored By Pragna Chakraborty