HYDRAA search ops on in Musheerabad for 3 persons who went missing in drains

Hyderabad: Rescue teams in Hyderabad are carrying out intensive search operations for three persons who were swept away in stormwater drains during heavy rains on Sunday. Teams are checking catch pits across multiple locations.

HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath personally reviewed the operations around the Afzal Sagar drain in Asifnagar and the Vinobanagar drain in Musheerabad on Monday morning.

Inspecting each pit

He instructed staff to immediately close each catch pit after inspection and directed that the search be intensified in coordination with other departments. Hyderabad District Collector Harichandana also joined the review at Afzal Sagar.

Rescue operations

According to officials, Arjun (26) and his brother-in-law Ramu (25), residents of Afzal Sagar, were washed away in the local nala at Asifnagar, while Dinesh alias Sunny (26) went missing in Vinobanagar, Musheerabad.

Rescue efforts continued through Monday.

Encroachments the root cause

Speaking to the media, Ranganath said encroachments and unscientific diversions of drains are the main reasons for such accidents.

“Structures that obstruct floodwater flow will be cleared. However, keeping in mind that many poor families live near these nalas, the government will provide alternatives wherever demolition is unavoidable,” he assured.

Recurring problem every monsoon

Locals pointed out that this situation recurs every rainy season and stressed the need for a permanent solution. Officials stated that the issue will be studied jointly with GHMC, Irrigation and Revenue departments to identify root causes.

They also highlighted ongoing desilting works.

“In Ameerpet, waterlogging issues were addressed by opening underground drains. At one site alone, 25 lorry loads of silt were cleared. This season, over 2,200 lorry loads of silt have been removed across the city, and the program is continuing,” an official said, adding that desilting will be further intensified.

Interestingly, neighbouring States are reportedly observing Hyderabad’s measures and considering similar systems in their own cities.