Heavy Rain Lashes Hyderabad; Rejuvenated Bathukamma Kunta Lake Proves Crucial in Flood Management
Hyderabad, July 18, 2025 — A spell of intense monsoon showers drenched Hyderabad on Friday, triggering widespread water accumulation across several areas under the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) upgraded its forecast for the city to “very heavy rainfall,” with predictions of more downpours expected through Friday night and into the early hours of Saturday.
The heavy rains brought both relief from the oppressive heat and challenges to Hyderabad’s urban infrastructure. However, in a positive turn, the recently rejuvenated Bathukamma Kunta lake has emerged as a model for effective urban flood management. Located in the heart of the city, the water body successfully captured a large volume of rainwater, helping to reduce the risk of waterlogging in nearby residential areas.
Rejuvenated Lake Plays a Crucial Role
According to GHMC officials, the revival of Bathukamma Kunta was executed under the city’s broader Hydrology and Urban Flood Management initiative. The lake, which had suffered from years of neglect, encroachment, and silt accumulation, underwent extensive desilting, embankment fortification, and the construction of well-designed inflow and outflow channels.
“The lake’s enhanced water-holding capacity has made a significant difference. In the past, this area would have experienced severe flooding, but the upgraded infrastructure absorbed the downpour effectively,” said a GHMC engineering official.
Residents Express Relief
Local residents echoed the sentiment, stating that the impact of the rain was noticeably milder this year. “Earlier, heavy rains used to flood our streets and homes. But this time, we didn’t face that issue. The restored lake has clearly helped,” said Priya Sharma, a resident of a nearby colony.
The transformation of Bathukamma Kunta reflects a larger push by the GHMC and the Telangana government to revive the city’s lake ecosystem, once a hallmark of Hyderabad’s landscape. These efforts are increasingly critical in the face of growing urbanization and climate change-induced extreme weather events.
City on Alert for Further Rainfall
Meanwhile, the IMD has warned of another round of heavy showers expected in the early hours of Saturday, accompanied by gusty winds and potential waterlogging in low-lying areas. Citizens have been advised to avoid non-essential travel during peak rainfall periods.
The GHMC, anticipating the possibility of flash floods, has put emergency response teams on high alert. “We have deployed staff across vulnerable zones, cleared stormwater drains in advance, and are closely monitoring real-time updates from the IMD,” said a senior civic official.
The corporation has also urged citizens to remain vigilant, report any flooding or drainage issues to its helpline, and stay updated through official weather advisories.
A Model for Urban Flood Preparedness
Urban planning experts have hailed the Bathukamma Kunta success story as a replicable model for sustainable flood mitigation. With Hyderabad witnessing more frequent and intense rainfall events in recent years, rejuvenating urban water bodies is seen as a crucial step toward building climate-resilient infrastructure.
The lake’s revival is not just a functional achievement—it also marks a symbolic return to Hyderabad’s rich heritage of interconnected lakes and tanks, known as the chain tank system, that once managed the city’s water efficiently.
As rains continue, the real-time impact of such sustainable efforts is being witnessed—and appreciated—not just by city planners, but by the very residents these measures aim to protect.
For weather updates:
Visit IMD Hyderabad website or call the GHMC helpline at 040-21111111 for real-time support and flood-related queries.
