Rain exposes drain trouble in Hyderabad

 

After the devastating flash floods in the city in 2000, the Kirloskar Commitee, which carried out a detailed study, found that the drainage system in twin cities was inadequate and had been designed for 12 mm or an hour of water flow. 

 

Disappearance of floor-absorbing tanks, dumping of garbage and other materials into open drains and construction of housing colonies in the foreshores of tanks, were cited as the reasons for inundation of various parts of city by the committee. It suggested the widening and deepening of drains by providing constructed sections and concrete structures. 

 

However, even after a decade, nothing much has changed in the city. In last three months, two deaths were reported because of improper or faulty drainage system. In a heavy rain scenario, the residents of colonies abutting the drains face threat to their lives and properties.

 

About 5,000-km length of storm water drains are required to overcome flooding problems, but unfortunately, the city does not have more than 1,500 km length of SW drains and even those too are in poor condition. 

 

Even after six years since the launch of the work, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation has failed to complete the remodelling and widening of SW drains. GHMC officials admit that not even 40 per cent work has been done due to various obstacles in remodelling and widening of nalas. The GHMC is spending Rs 100 to Rs 125 crore for remodelling the drains.

 

“Encroachments are a major problem. However, we are working in that direction. You can see we have been taking up demolition of encroachments along the stretch. Presently, we are focused at completing two major drains, from Lower Tank Bund to Musi and to Kukatpally,” said GHMC commissioner, Somesh Kumar.

 

He added, “Special teams with two deputy collectors have been formed. They will assess the encroachments or calculate the acquisition needed along the drains and compensate people immediately.”