Hyderabad: HYDRAA frees stormwater nala at Patny Center from encroachments

Hyderabad: HYDRAA launched a major demolition drive on Friday to clear commercial structures illegally built over the stormwater nala at Patny Center.

The nala, originally meant to be 70 feet wide, had been reduced to just 15–18 feet due to rampant encroachments.

Following several complaints from residents of Payug Colony, Patny Compound, Patny Colony, Viman Nagar, BHEL Colony, and Indiramma Nagar about frequent flooding in their areas, HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath conducted a field inspection on Thursday.

He was accompanied by officials from GHMC, the Cantonment Board, and the Irrigation Department. During the inspection, locals showed photos and videos on their mobile phones, highlighting how thousands of homes were submerged in the past due to the blocked nala.

A preliminary assessment revealed that 55–60 feet of the nala’s width had been encroached upon. Officials decided not only to remove all encroachments but also to build protective walls (retaining structures) on either side of the nala to prevent future intrusions.

According to HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath, the culvert near the old Anand Theatre at Rasoolpura junction is 18 metres wide, and the nala—which flows through Secunderabad Cantonment and nearby colonies—is of similar width before reaching the Patny stretch.

However, due to encroachments by a few private buildings, the nala narrows dangerously to just five metres, causing severe flooding during even minor rainfall events, he said.

“Thousands of poor and middle-class families living upstream have been facing submergence for years. Today’s demolition will bring major relief to them,” said Ranganath. He also confirmed that the Cantonment Board’s CEO has committed to starting construction of a retaining RCC wall immediately following the demolition.

HYDRAA, he added, has already supervised the removal of accumulated silt in the nala, significantly increasing its carrying capacity. “This is a classic example of how small, coordinated interventions by government agencies can lead to big improvements in ground conditions,” he said.

The authority is currently mapping all waterlogging and inundation-prone areas across Hyderabad and plans to tackle the root causes—particularly illegal constructions blocking natural drains and stormwater channels. Commercial structures impeding water flow will be removed, and while efforts will be made to avoid displacing the poor, compensation will be recommended where necessary.

“This approach will be our operational guideline for the next four months of monsoon. We urge all stakeholders—including media, political parties, and citizens—to support this campaign. Our aim is to safeguard Hyderabad from flood risks and improve the quality of life for lakhs of residents,” Ranganath emphasized.

Residents of five affected colonies expressed immense relief, calling the demolitions a “liberation from decades of misery.” Many appreciated that court orders from the High Court and Supreme Court regarding encroachment clearance were finally being enforced.

They also praised HYDRAA for acting decisively without delay or confusion over whether GHMC or the Cantonment Board should take responsibility. "HYDRA stepped in and took charge, and we’re grateful," said a local resident.

Despite ongoing legal cases in some instances, HYDRAA proceeded with the demolition without using them as an excuse for delay. This bold and proactive approach drew applause from residents who had been suffering for over two to three decades due to repeated flooding.

The demolition is being carried out in coordination with GHMC, Cantonment, Revenue, and Irrigation officials. Traffic police have taken steps to ensure smooth traffic flow in the area during the operation.

The nala in question carries floodwater from Hasmathpet Lake and Mahendra Hills through the Hasmathpet and Picket nalas, covering a distance of 23 km before converging in the Patny area, where it had narrowed drastically to 15–18 feet due to encroachments. This, residents said, was the primary reason for flooding.

Officials believe this operation marks a significant turning point in preventing urban flooding in the Patny region.