Hyderabad, November 2026 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday praised Tollywood actor Akkineni Nagarjuna as a “real hero” for voluntarily handing over two acres of land to the government for the rejuvenation of Thammidikunta Lake in Madhapur.
Nagarjuna, whose N-Convention was demolished in 2024 over alleged encroachment on the lake bed, joined the Chief Minister at the inauguration of the restored lake on Wednesday evening. The restoration, undertaken by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), has expanded the water body from nearly 14 acres to its original extent of around 30 acres.
HYDRAA had demolished the N-Convention, owned by Nagarjuna, and removed other alleged encroachments around the lake in 2024. The actor had denied that his convention centre encroached on the lake bed. However, he came forward last year to hand over two acres of land to the government.
Addressing the gathering at the inauguration, Revanth Reddy appreciated Nagarjuna's gesture and said it reflected his commitment to the city's environmental conservation efforts.
“Akkineni Nagarjuna stepped forward with a generous heart and handed over 2 acres of land to the government. Nagarjuna has proven himself to be a hero not just in films, but in real life as well,” the Chief Minister said.
Nagarjuna, in turn, praised Revanth Reddy's vision for restoring Hyderabad's lakes and rivers. He said the Chief Minister had made their rejuvenation and beautification a priority and was determined to pursue the task.
“He cares deeply about our lakes and rivers, and their rejuvenation and beautification are among his highest priorities. He is determined to restore them, whatever it takes. It was with this very vision that HYDRAA was created,” the actor said.
HYDRAA's lake restoration drive
Thammidikunta is among six lakes selected by HYDRAA for restoration in the first phase of its lake rejuvenation programme. The agency has so far inaugurated four lakes after completing restoration works.
Highlighting the importance of protecting Hyderabad's water bodies, Revanth Reddy said the city was historically known as a city of rocks and lakes. However, several water bodies had disappeared over the years due to encroachments and other factors.
“Out of the 1,372 lakes that once existed in Hyderabad, 50 per cent have vanished due to various reasons. Encroachments on these lakes lead to water stagnation on roads whenever it rains. Residential colonies are becoming waterlogged. Everyone needs to reflect on this situation,” he said.
The Chief Minister said his government's vision of developing Hyderabad into a world-class city was closely linked to environmental conservation. Restoring lakes and protecting natural resources were essential parts of this effort, he added.
He said the government was working to reclaim and rejuvenate the city's lakes to improve their ecological condition and address problems such as urban flooding and water stagnation.
Musi River rejuvenation project to begin soon
Revanth Reddy also spoke about the proposed rejuvenation of the Musi River, which he said had become heavily polluted. He noted that river-based civilisations had flourished across the world and recalled that the Nizam had developed the Musi River basin nearly a century ago.
The Chief Minister announced that the first phase of the Musi rejuvenation project would be launched soon. He assured that communities affected by the project would be provided relief.
“The lives of the city's residents are deeply intertwined with the Musi River. This is not just about beautifying the Musi; it is about its complete rejuvenation. The Musi must be cleaned, and our lakes must be liberated from the clutches of encroachment,” he said.
Emphasising that the project was intended to restore the river rather than merely improve its appearance, Revanth Reddy called for collective support from political parties.
He urged all parties to set aside political differences and work together towards the rejuvenation of the Musi River.
The restoration of Thammidikunta Lake and the proposed Musi project form part of the Telangana government's broader efforts to protect Hyderabad's water bodies, address encroachments and strengthen the city's environmental infrastructure.
