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Nizampet Lake Rehabilitation Project
Introduction
Nizampet Lake situated in Hyderabad is a man-made lake which measures approx. 3.5 ha (35900 sq. m) with a circumference of approx. 800 m (2600 ft). This lake formed an integral part of the community ecosystem in Nizampet village and the surrounding areas. Nizampet Lake/Sriramkunta Cheruvu was adopted by Wells Fargo Indian Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (WFS) in partnership with the local NGO ‘Youth for Seva’ (YFS) for lake conservation. Ladybird Environmental Consulting LLP (LEC) was brought in for its environmental expertise required for the project. This was an 18-month project period (August 2018-January 2020), largely focused on developing a green belt around the lake and improving the lake's ecology.
Project Overview
Project Location: Hyderabad
Project Duration: August 2018- January 2020.
Project Partner: Youth for Seva
Funding Agency: Wells Fargo Indian Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
Project Now Stands Complete
Conclusion of Nizampet Lake Rehabilitation
After the successful completion of the Nizampet Lake rehabilitation project, the transformations were astounding. The once barren lake was now enveloped in lush greenery. Throughout the project, we planted over 6,000 plants, all of which thrived beautifully. The lake, which previously saw few visitors, had become one of the most popular walking destinations in the Nizampet area, attracting nearly 300 visitors every day. Moreover, the presence of diverse species of birds and butterflies added to the lake's allure, making it a vibrant natural haven. The project highlighted the pivotal role of plants and trees in our ecosystem, demonstrating how they can profoundly transform our environment and enhance our quality of life, just as they did with Nizampet Lake.
Project Interventions
Baseline Surveys
Biodiversity Plantation
Biodiversity Plantation
- Baseline Survey
- Lake Perception Surveys
- Biodiversity surveys
- Soil and water analysis
Biodiversity Plantation
Biodiversity Plantation
Biodiversity Plantation
- Ground preparation
- Plantation of 5150 bird, butterfly, bat and bee attracting plants ( herbs, shrubs, trees)
- Installation of drip irrigation system
Lake Management
Biodiversity Plantation
Signage Development
- Appointment of project team
- Declaring open-close hours for the lake
- Establishing project office inside lake
- Controlling all ant-lake activities.
Signage Development
Signage Development
- 25 bilingual signages on local birds and trees.
- 125 plant signages for butterfly attracting plants
Employee Engagement
Community Engagement
- Wells Fargo employees volunteer in plantation, clean up and plantation maintenance works of periodic basis.
Community Engagement
Community Engagement
- Formed whatsapp and Facebook group of local communities
- Conducting monthly lake safaris.
- Conducting monthly Birdwatch program.
Project Outcomes
Biodiversity
Signage Development
Biodiversity
We documented a remarkable increase in biodiversity, with butterfly species rising from 11 to 32 and bird species increased from 13 to 54. Our monthly bird counts revealed that 150 birds were utilizing the lake area. Visitors now regularly observe a diverse array of birds and butterflies, enhancing their experience and appreciation of the lake’s vibrant ecosystem.
Plantation
Signage Development
Biodiversity
The green cover of Nizampet Lake significantly improved, becoming much richer and denser than before the plantation efforts began in August 2018. At the start of the project, we planted 5,150 saplings. Throughout the project, we added 850 additional saplings and over 300 clumps of fountain grass. We also introduced an innovative planting technique by using 250 seed balls, which proved successful. By the end of the project, we observed a thriving population of 5,745 surviving plants at the lake.
Signage Development
Signage Development
We created 25 bilingual signages, comprising 12 for trees and 13 for birds, along with 125 plant signages for host and nectar plants. These signages played a crucial role in enhancing awareness about local bird species and trees, enriching visitors' understanding of the lake's biodiversity.
Employee Engagement Programmes
We organized 22 employee engagement programs, with a total of 737 employees volunteering their time and efforts. These volunteers, primarily from various corporate organizations, played a crucial role in the lake's restoration. Their contributions included lake clean-ups, de-weeding, mulching, seed ball creation, sapling bag preparation, and planting activities.
Community Engagement Programmes
Community Engagement Programmes
We conducted eight community engagement programs, with 418 local residents participating at the lake. These programs were centered around the lake and featured nature trails that explored the rich flora and fauna of the area. Participants learned about the lake ecosystem and the critical importance of the lake to the local environment, fostering a deeper appreciation for the lake’s natural beauty and its role in the community.
Free Lake Safaris for Schools
Community Engagement Programmes
We conducted free lake tours for local schools and colleges, during which 150 students participated. These tours provided an educational experience, allowing students to explore the lake’s natural environment and learn about its ecological significance. The engaging walks enriched their understanding of local wildlife and conservation efforts, fostering a deeper connection with their community’s natural resources.