Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has stated that Ganesh idol immersions will not be permitted at Kapra Lake, citing the water body’s ecological importance and its role as an urban wetland.

HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, who inspected the ongoing development works at the 113-acre Kapra Lake on Saturday, said the lake was not merely a source of water but a vital component of Hyderabad’s environmental balance.

During the inspection, Ranganath explained the decision to representatives of the Bhagyanagar Utsav Committee and appealed for their cooperation in protecting the lake’s biodiversity. He suggested that the baby pond near Kapra Lake could be used for immersing smaller Ganesh idols, while organisers should make alternative arrangements for larger idols.

According to HYDRAA, Kapra Lake has been identified by the Centre as an urban wetland and serves as an important habitat for migratory birds. The lake reportedly attracts more than 470 species of migratory birds from different parts of the world, including Australia and Europe.

Ranganath said the lake is being developed with a focus on flood-water storage, groundwater recharge, biodiversity conservation and protection of bird habitats. He stressed that safeguarding these ecological functions was a shared responsibility.

The HYDRAA Commissioner also noted that around 70 per cent of the lake area is privately held patta land and said several landowners had come forward to support the lake’s development.

Members of the Kapra Lake Revival Group also met Ranganath during his inspection and urged HYDRAA to undertake comprehensive development of the lake while ensuring that its natural environment is preserved.