Encroachments along Devarayamjal Cheruvu causing flooding, HYDRAA orders action

‘Verify original drain blueprints’

Residents complained that four colonies were facing repeated flooding due to the narrowing of the flood channel.

Responding to their concerns, Ranganath directed officials to verify the original drain width using village maps, Survey of India records and NRSC data, and to remove all encroachments to restore the natural flow.

High Court order prompts field visit

The inspection followed High Court orders in connection with a dispute over road obstruction in Survey Nos 135 and 136 at Devarayamjal village.

The Commissioner interacted with residents and municipal staff and instructed them to clear all obstacles and restore the road, as new facilities such as a court complex and traffic police station are coming up along the route.

Drain narrowed from 9 to 2 metres

During the visit to Vasavi Suchir India Layout in Thumkunta village, Ranganath found that the stormwater drain carrying floodwater from Devarayamjal Cheruvu and Pothaipally Cheruvu to Gundlakunta Cheruvu had been drastically narrowed — from its original 9 metres to barely 2 metres.

Locals showed videos of inundation from recent rains, blaming the problem on the conversion of open drains into underground pipelines, which reduced water flow and caused flooding in nearby plots and houses.

Joint action plan on the cards

The Commissioner assured residents that a joint meeting would soon be held with the Irrigation, HMDA and municipal authorities, along with venture developers, to devise a permanent solution to the problem.

He emphasized that encroachments on natural drainage channels will not be tolerated and ordered immediate corrective measures.