Telangana CM Revanth Reddy hails Nagarjuna as 'real hero' at Thammidikunta Lake revival
Synopsis
A demolition dispute that pitted Tollywood star Nagarjuna against HYDRAA in 2024 ended with a public handshake at the restored Thammidikunta Lake. By voluntarily returning two acres, Nagarjuna gave Telangana CM Revanth Reddy a rare political win on urban conservation — and the Chief Minister used it to signal an even bigger push: the imminent launch of the Musi River rejuvenation project.
Key Takeaways
Revanth Reddy inaugurated the restored Thammidikunta Lake in Madhapur, Hyderabad on 11 November 2026 .
The lake has been restored from a shrunken 14 acres to its original extent of approximately 30 acres by HYDRAA .
Actor Nagarjuna voluntarily handed over 2 acres of land to the government; his N-Convention venue was demolished by HYDRAA in 2024 for encroachment.
Of the 1,372 lakes that once existed in Hyderabad, nearly 50 per cent have vanished due to encroachments, according to CM Revanth Reddy.
Thammidikunta is one of six lakes in HYDRAA's first restoration phase; four have now been inaugurated.
CM Revanth Reddy announced the imminent launch of the first phase of the Musi River rejuvenation project .
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, called Tollywood star Nagarjuna a 'real hero' after the actor voluntarily handed over two acres of land to the government for the restoration of Thammidikunta Lake in Madhapur, Hyderabad. The Chief Minister made the remark at the inauguration of the restored lake, which has been revived from a heavily encroached 14 acres to its original extent of approximately 30 acres.
The Restoration and What Triggered It
The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) had in 2024 demolished N-Convention — a prominent event venue owned by Nagarjuna — along with other encroachments on the lake bed. At the time, the actor had denied that the N-Convention had encroached upon the lake. However, he subsequently came forward last year to hand back two acres of land to the state government, a gesture the Chief Minister publicly acknowledged at Wednesday's event. Thammidikunta Lake is one of six lakes taken up by HYDRAA for restoration in the first phase, of which four have now been inaugurated following completion.
What the Chief Minister Said
'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,' said CM Revanth Reddy in his inauguration address. He further stressed that Hyderabad was historically a city of rocks and lakes, noting that of the 1,372 lakes that once existed in the city, nearly 50 per cent have disappeared due to encroachments and unplanned development. '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.
Nagarjuna Praises HYDRAA's Vision
Nagarjuna, who attended the inauguration alongside the Chief Minister, returned the praise. '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, referring to Revanth Reddy's conservation agenda. The event marked a notable public reconciliation between the actor and the state government following the contentious demolition of his N-Convention venue.
Musi River Rejuvenation on the Horizon
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also used the occasion to signal the next phase of Hyderabad's waterway revival. He announced that the first phase of the Musi River rejuvenation project will be launched soon, drawing a historical parallel to the Nizam who had developed the Musi River basin a century ago. He assured affected communities along the Musi corridor that relief would be provided, and called on all political parties to set aside differences and support the river's restoration. 'The Musi must be cleaned, and our lakes must be liberated from the clutches of encroachment,' he declared. As Hyderabad accelerates its environmental reclamation agenda, the Thammidikunta inauguration signals both a policy milestone and a rare moment of cross-sector solidarity between government and celebrity.
Point of View
Using Nagarjuna's voluntary land return to legitimise HYDRAA's aggressive demolition record. But the broader challenge remains stark: half of Hyderabad's 1,372 lakes have already vanished, and restoring four in a first phase, however symbolic, barely dents the deficit. The real test will be whether the Musi River project — far more complex and politically sensitive given the displaced communities involved — receives the same resolve that HYDRAA applied to lakeside event venues.
NationPress
11 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Telangana CM Revanth Reddy call Nagarjuna a 'real hero'?
CM Revanth Reddy called Nagarjuna a 'real hero' because the actor voluntarily handed over two acres of land to the government for the restoration of Thammidikunta Lake in Madhapur, Hyderabad. The gesture followed the 2024 demolition of Nagarjuna's N-Convention venue by HYDRAA for alleged encroachment on the lake bed.
What is Thammidikunta Lake and why was it in the news?
Thammidikunta Lake is a water body in the IT hub of Madhapur, Hyderabad, that had shrunk from roughly 30 acres to just 14 acres due to encroachments. HYDRAA demolished encroachments including Nagarjuna's N-Convention in 2024 and has now restored the lake to its original extent of around 30 acres.
What is HYDRAA and what has it done?
HYDRAA, or the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency, is a Telangana government body tasked with removing encroachments and restoring the city's water bodies. It has restored four of the six lakes targeted in its first phase, including Thammidikunta Lake, and has also demolished the N-Convention venue owned by Nagarjuna.
What did CM Revanth Reddy say about Hyderabad's lakes?
CM Revanth Reddy stated that of the 1,372 lakes that once existed in Hyderabad, nearly 50 per cent have disappeared due to encroachments and unplanned development. He warned that lake encroachments cause waterlogging in residential areas and reiterated his government's commitment to restoring the city's water bodies.
What is the Musi River rejuvenation project?
The Musi River rejuvenation project is a Telangana government initiative to clean and restore the heavily polluted Musi River that runs through Hyderabad. CM Revanth Reddy announced on 11 November 2026 that the first phase will be launched soon and that affected communities along the river will be provided relief.
