Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has launched a new project for Hyderabad lakes CCTV monitoring to secure water bodies against encroachments and protect the city from flooding risks. Tenders have been issued for solar-powered 4G IP cameras to be installed across 185 lakes within Hyderabad limits.
Previously, HYDRAA implemented round-the-clock surveillance for lakes along the Outer Ring Road (ORR). The latest measure expands monitoring to urban lakes as part of a wider strategy to protect and beautify water bodies. Tender submissions will remain open until September 1, and bids will be opened the same day at 3:30 p.m.
Hyderabad lakes CCTV monitoring strengthens anti-encroachment strategy
HYDRAA has completed a survey of 549 lakes under the ORR belt. Notifications have already been issued for 411 lakes on a preliminary basis and for 138 lakes on a final basis, with remaining ones to follow.
At present, 70 lakes are monitored round-the-clock with guards working in three shifts. Seven guards are assigned per lake, drawn from candidates who had appeared for police constable exams but did not qualify. Around 400 such individuals received three-day training before deployment.
HYDRAA officials said that lake protection remains their top priority, as safeguarding these ecosystems reduces urban flooding risks during monsoons. Restoration and beautification are also part of the plan. Batkamma Kunta and Nallagandla Lake have already undergone improvements, including boating trials, while works are ongoing at Sanam Lake, Thammidi Kunta, Uppal Nalla Lake, and Bum Rukn-ud-Doula Lake.
