Case Study: Rejuvenation of Nizampet Lake

Introduction

The Nizampet Lake Rehabilitation Project, initiated in August 2018, was a collaborative endeavor involving Wells Fargo Indian Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Youth for Seva, and Ladybird Environmental Consulting LLP. The project spanned 18 months and aimed to restore the lake's ecosystem by increasing green cover and biodiversity.

Project Overview

- Location: Hyderabad, India

- Duration: August 2018 - January 2020

- Partners: Wells Fargo Indian Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Youth for Seva

- Objectives: Enhance green cover, improve biodiversity, and raise community awareness

Key Interventions

Baseline Surveys

Initial surveys assessed biodiversity, soil, and water quality, providing a foundation for targeted interventions.

Biodiversity Plantation

Over 6,000 plants, including trees, shrubs, and grasses, were planted to attract birds, butterflies, bats, and bees. A survival rate of over 90% was achieved.

Lake Management

A project office was established to oversee activities, enforce lake protection measures, and regulate open-close hours to prevent anti-lake activities.

Signage Development

Educational signage was installed around the lake, including 25 bilingual signs for birds and trees, and 125 signs for butterfly-attracting plants. These signs aimed to educate visitors about the local flora and fauna.

Community and Employee Engagement

Extensive community and employee engagement programs were conducted, including:

- Employee Programs: 22 programs involving activities like plantation drives, lake cleanups, and nature trails.

- Community Programs: 8 programs focused on community involvement in lake preservation, nature walks, and educational workshops.

- Lake Safaris: Organized for schools, with 150 students participating to learn about the lake's ecosystem.

Outcomes

Biodiversity Increase

The project resulted in a significant increase in local biodiversity, with butterfly species increasing from 11 to 32, and bird species from 13 to 54.

Green Cover Expansion

Over 6,000 plants were introduced, with a survival rate of 95%, significantly enhancing the lake's green cover.

Community Involvement

Visitor footfall increased from 25 to 300 daily, indicating heightened community interest and involvement in the lake's wellbeing.

Educational Impact

The installation of educational signage and the organization of nature trails and lake safaris enhanced public awareness and understanding of the importance of biodiversity and environmental preservation.

Conclusion

The Nizampet Lake Rehabilitation Project successfully transformed the lake into a thriving wetland, attracting diverse wildlife and becoming a popular community spot. Through strategic planting, community engagement, and educational initiatives, the project restored the lake's ecological balance and fostered a deeper connection between the environment and local residents.

For more details, visit the [Nizampet Lake Project](https://ladybirdconsulting.co.in/nizampet-lake-project).