Telangana Prisons, HYDRAA and IOCL Join Hands for Eco-Restoration Initiative
CHERLAPALLY , JUNE 30: The Telangana Prisons Department on Tuesday launched the Cherlapalli Lake Restoration and Development Project with the performance of Bhumi Pooja at Cherlapalli Lake. The project is being implemented in collaboration with HYDRAA with financial assistance from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.
The project was formally inaugurated by Dr. Soumya Mishra, IPS, Director General of Prisons & Correctional Services, in the presence of Uppal MLA Bandari Lakshma Reddy, IG Prisons Y. Rajesh, DIG Prisons Dr. D. Srinivas, DIG Prisons M. Sampath, senior prison officials, HYDRAA representatives, IOCL officials, consultants, local community leaders and residents.
The restoration project includes cleaning the lake inlet and surrounding areas, constructing a silt collection chamber to prevent sediment inflow, restoring the inlet channel to improve water flow, strengthening the lake bund with gravel to prevent erosion, and installing solar-powered lighting along the lake pathway.
The lake premises were also declared a Plastic-Free Zone, reinforcing the commitment of all stakeholders to environmental conservation and sustainable lake management.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Soumya Mishra said the restoration of Cherlapalli Lake would improve groundwater recharge, strengthen water security and enhance the local ecosystem. She noted that the rejuvenated lake would benefit nearby residential colonies, the Prison Agricultural Colony (PAC) and Cherlapalli Central Prison by providing a sustainable water source for agriculture, fish ponds, livestock and maintaining greenery within the prison campus.
She further said that inmates of the Open Air Prison would actively participate in the restoration works, enabling them to acquire vocational skills, develop self-confidence and prepare for rehabilitation after release. She added that eligible inmates could also be considered for future employment in lake protection and maintenance activities.
Dr. Mishra also announced that CCTV cameras would be installed around the lake and integrated with the Cherlapalli Central Prison monitoring system to ensure the long-term protection of the restored water body.
She acknowledged the technical support provided by HYDRAA under the leadership of A.V. Ranganath, IPS, and thanked Indian Oil Corporation Limited for its CSR support, describing the initiative as a model partnership in promoting environmental sustainability, water conservation and community welfare.