Telangana Prisons Department Launches Cherlapalli Lake Restoration Project
Hyderabad, June 30 (TNT): The Telangana Prisons Department on Tuesday launched the Cherlapalli Lake Restoration and Development Project by performing Bhumi Pooja at Cherlapalli Lake in Hyderabad.
The project is being implemented by the Telangana Prisons Department in collaboration with HYDRAA, with financial assistance from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
The project was inaugurated by Soumya Mishra, Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services.
The restoration works include cleaning the lake inlet area and surrounding premises, constructing a silt collection chamber to prevent sediment inflow, restoring the inlet channel to improve water flow, strengthening the lake embankment with gravel to prevent erosion, and installing solar-powered lighting along the pathway on the lake bund.
The lake premises were also declared a Plastic-Free Zone as part of efforts to promote environmental protection and sustainable lake management.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Mishra said restoration of lakes was crucial for water security, groundwater recharge and environmental conservation. She said the rejuvenated Cherlapalli Lake would benefit nearby residential colonies, the Prison Agricultural Colony (PAC) and the Cherlapalli Central Prison by providing a sustainable source of water for agriculture, fish ponds, livestock activities and maintenance of greenery within the prison campus.
She said inmates of the Open Air Prison would actively participate in the restoration works, enabling them to acquire vocational skills, build self-esteem and develop a sense of responsibility. Suitable inmates could also be considered for employment in lake protection and security activities after their release, facilitating their rehabilitation and reintegration into society, she added.
Dr Mishra also announced that CCTV cameras would be installed around the lake and integrated with the Cherlapalli Central Prison for continuous monitoring and protection of the restored water body.
She appreciated the technical guidance provided by HYDRAA under the leadership of A. V. Ranganath and thanked Indian Oil Corporation Limited for extending CSR support to the project.
Describing the initiative as a model of inter-agency collaboration, she said the project would advance environmental sustainability, water conservation and community welfare.
Among those present were Bandari Lakshma Reddy, Y. Rajesh, senior officials of the Telangana Prisons Department, HYDRAA and IOCL, representatives of the Cherlapalli Industrial Estate and the Cherlapalli Fishermen Society, and Open Air Prison inmates.
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