HYDRAA chief inspects stormwater drains in Patny and Chintal Basti, orders faster nala expansion

Hyderabad: With the monsoon season underway, HYDRAA commissioner AV Ranganath has directed officials to expedite nala (stormwater drain) expansion works across key flood-prone areas of Hyderabad.

The commissioner stressed the urgency of completing these works by the end of June to minimise the risk of urban flooding.

Expansion of Patny nala

During an inspection of the ongoing expansion at Patny nala recently cleared of encroachments, Ranganath, along with Cantonment CEO Madhukar Naik and officials from the irrigation and traffic departments, reviewed the progress and outlined further action.

The nala, which should ideally be 20 meters wide, is now being widened and flanked with retaining walls. A 5-meter buffer zone on both sides has also been mandated to ensure unimpeded water flow.

Residents in the area expressed appreciation for the works, noting that they have faced persistent flooding for decades. They assured full cooperation with the efforts to reduce flood risks this monsoon.

Critical gaps identified in Begumpet and Chikoti Gardens

Further inspections at Chikoti Gardens, near Prakash Nagar Metro Station, revealed that the drain carrying floodwater from Begumpet airport, which should span 6 meters in width, had narrowed to less than 2 meters in many places.

At one point near Nandini Hotel, it measured only 1.8 meters. The nala, stretching about 2 kilometres up to the Kukatpally main drain, was found to be encroached upon for nearly half its length.

Apartment associations and local residents pledged support for the expansion, with many highlighting their annual struggles with knee-deep water during peak rains. They said widening the drain to its original width would allow smooth discharge of floodwater from the Begumpet main road.

Encroachment crackdown in Chintal Basti

The commissioner also surveyed the Bulkapur nala, which runs through several areas before draining into Hussain Sagar. At Chintal Basti, he identified and took serious note of unauthorised commercial constructions such as sand and cement shops built over the drain near the pension office.

He instructed officials to immediately demolish illegal structures and ensure free flow of stormwater. Ranganath also directed the complete removal of garbage clogging the drains in multiple locations.

The HYDRAA commissioner’s inspections are part of a larger initiative to address chronic flooding issues in Hyderabad by restoring and expanding key drainage channels before peak monsoon rains hit the city.