Hyderabad, 11th August 2025: Gemini Edible & Fats India Limited (GEF India) makers of Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils as a part of their CSR Initiative in association with HMDA & Telangana Social Impact Group/T-SIG (CSR Wing, Telangana Government) and related government bodies, along with Dhruvansh organization (NGO) who are implementing the significant environmental initiative to restore and rejuvenate the Kotha Cheruvu, organized a ‘Van Mahotsavam’ program at the Kotha Cheruvu, Kokapet site to plant medicinal plants to improve the landscaping and enhance the green cover around the lake.
Hon’ble Mr. T. Prakash Goud (MLA Rajendranagar) initiated Vana Mahotsavam and planted medicinal trees around the lake in the presence of Mr. T. Krishna Mohan Reddy, Commissioner, Narsingi Municipality; Ms. Archana Suresh, Director, TSIG; Mr. Krishna Rao, Lake Protection Cell; Mr. Akshay Chowdhry, Group Vice President, GEF India; Mr. P. Chandrashekhara Reddy, Sr. Vice President Sales and Marketing, GEF India; Ms. Madhulika Choudhary of Dhruvansh Organization and other dignitaries.
The team also reviewed the progress made on the restoration of Kotha Cheruvu, Kokapet, in the last six months. The lake had suffered from rapid urbanization and pollution. The lake, which is vital for the local ecosystem, has seen its water quality deteriorate due to sewage inflow and the growth of aquatic weeds. The restoration project focused on cleaning the lake, improving water quality, and preserving local biodiversity using the latest sustainable and cost-effective technology.
The activities completed under phase I of the lake preservation drive included the installation ofsolar floating aerators and a setting up of floating treatment wetlands, besides garbage removal, weed removal, desilting of corners, bund rectification to restore the lake. Moreover, the construction of gate at the entrance, a sitting area for visitors, toilets, storage, plus security guard room has been completed. To monitor and secure the lake Solar Cameras have been installed. Educational and Caution Boards to educate the local community to preserve the lake have also been placed around the lake to ensure visitors are sensitized to maintain cleanliness and prevent damage to the flora and fauna around the lake.
Speaking on the positive developments, Mr. T. Prakash Goud, MLA Rajendra Nagar, said, “I was informed that, following the initiation of the restoration, the water quality has shown marked improvement. The local flora and fauna are steadily reviving, with notable returns in bird diversity and an overall enhancement of the environment.” He further added that these encouraging signs reflect the project’s success in revitalizing the ecosystem and reaffirm the community’s commitment to sustainable conservation.
Mr. T. Krishna Mohan Reddy, Commissioner, Narsingi municipality, expressed satisfaction at the progress of work in the first phase towards restoration and rejuvenation of Kotha Cheruvu, Kokapet. He appreciated the contribution of GEF India and Dhruvansh in executing the program in a time bound manner. He also urged the people in the neighbourhood to ensure that they take up the role of protecting the lake from pollution after the restoration of the lake and preserve it for the coming generations.
Mr. Akshay Chowdhry, Group Vice President, Gemini Edibles & Fats India Limited, said “It is our constant endeavour to support the communities and make their lives better. We are happy to associate with the initiative of the state government to restore and rejuvenate the vital resources like lake for the future generations and encourage sustainable growth of the state and are pleased at the progress made so far.”
Adding to this Mr. P. Chandrashekhara Reddy, Sr. Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Gemini Edibles & Fats India Limited, said, “At GEF India, sustainable practices and concern for the environment are ingrained in our corporate philosophy. Our manufacturing units in Kakinada & Krishnapatnam are zero liquid discharge plants. As an extension of this philosophy, we are delighted to associate with the initiative to restore and rejuvenate Kotha Cheruvu, Kokapet, that will help conserve the bio-diversity and sustainable ecosystem for the future generations.”
Ms. Archana Suresh, Director, Telangana Social Impact Group / T-SIG (CSR Wing, Telangana Govt.) said, “We are delighted to bring together Freedom healthy cooking oils, HMDA, and Dhruvansh for this CSR Lake restoration project (Kotha Cheruvu, Kokapet, Hyd). This project is a testimony to a fantastic long term public-private partnership.”
GEF India remains deeply committed to sustainability and community welfare through its ongoing CSR initiatives. They had earlier contributed towards the Freedom Park initiative, focused on promoting green spaces for communities and environmental stewardship. Looking ahead, GEF India will continue to develop and support impactful projects that nurture the environment and benefit the society. These efforts are not only designed to create lasting change today but also to ensure a healthier, more sustainable ecosystem for the future generations.