Metro India News | HEMA SINGULURI 

The Tank Bund bridges the twin –cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad and is a spot for picnickers, lovers, tourists and morning walkers. But, unfortunately, it is also become a spot for distressed who jump into the waters in a bid to take their own lives. Shiva who stays near Pedhamaisamma temple is on vigil all day long and has saved 141 lives in the last 26 years.  

“I lost my brother to drowning who lost is life trying to save someone. Being orphaned at a young age, I felt that every person deserves someone to stand by them, without abruptly ending a life gifted by God.”

Shiva observes people at the lake and informs the police immediately if someone lingers too long or appears troubled. On the morning of October 13, 2025, Shiva rescued a girl from a suicide attempt. This 19-year-old girl from Asif Nagar, Mallepally attempted by jumping into the lake due to a conflict over marriage. Shiva immediately noticed and informed Lake Police Station without any delay. The officials of Lake Police Station arrived and took charge, enabling a safe withdrawal from crisis.

B. Chitti, the Lake PS SHO said that Shiva is active and alert not just in rescuing but also calms them down easily giving them a strong support. “He coordinates with us alwaysabout whoever is missing and how he can identify them around the tank bund surroundings”, she added.

Shiva is an unofficial lifeguard at Hussain Sagar Lake. He is called ‘Tank Bund Shiva’ and ‘Hanumanthu’. “I just want people to know that humanity is still left, men like me exist, we exist,” he added.

Some cases begin as a missing complaint as Shiva has a constant contact with the police to identify the person at the lake premises. Long nights, severe injuries and dangerous rescues never stopped him because of his belief. “I save these lives not just as a responsibility, but I feel this adds a strong purpose to my life,” he remarked. There are multiple cases where he even tried and succeeded to convince people to change their minds before making any drastic move which proves his dedication towards the service. Over the years he saved many lives and has also pulled around 10,000 bodies from the lake. He marks each success and a fulfillment to his life which motivates him to continue the work every day.