Hyderabad: Measures to keep flooding in check

Hyderabad: The removal of encroachments, blockages and regular cleaning will have to be carried out to control the waterlogging in the city, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) commissioner M. Dana Kishore said.

He also stressed to that effect that the disposal of construction debris on roads will not be permitted.

In back-to-back meetings with officials of the GHMC after the Cyberabad floods, stock is being taken of the problems across the city and measures which can be deployed to tackle the situation.

A total of 120 waterlogging points have been identified in the city. Twenty-two of these happen to be locations where water stays for longer periods of time owing to their topography and terrain whereby the water does not drain out easily. These locations require water pumps to clear the water, while the stagnation near schools, community halls, and hospitals must be removed by using monsoon labour.

“We have instructed all engineers to inspect all drains on a weekly basis to ensure free flow of water. The blockages, if any, have to be cleared immediately,” Mr Kishore said.

With the onset of the monsoon, even the slightest rainfall has been wreaking havoc in the city in terms of traffic jams. With limited open space available, the GHMC is planning to divert rainwater into percolation tanks to prevent waterlogging. Furthermore, builders have been warned of penalty if construction material and debris are found on footpaths or along the road.

Local GHMC officials have been asked to inspect their wards and identify the critical points and obstructions and to clear the same immediately.

Additionally, corporation officials have been directed to coordinate with the traffic department.