Monsoon Alert: HYDRAA boss Ranganath inspects drains, lakes, encroachments in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath has inspected lakes, stormwater drains, and road infrastructure in various parts of the city, including Borabanda, Allapur, Meerpet, and Gachibowli.

The inspection was part of the drill to tackle urban flooding and ensure the smooth flow of stormwater during monsoons.

He stressed the need for prompt action against encroachments and completion of ongoing infrastructure projects to protect the city’s water bodies and road networks.

Sunnam Cheruvu development: Drain widening, road expansion key priorities

In Borabanda and Allapur divisions, the Commissioner visited the Sunnam Cheruvu and reviewed the diversion works underway to prevent sewage inflow into the lake. He instructed that the surrounding stormwater drains be widened to accommodate floodwater, ensuring that sewage and stormwater are managed separately.

Local residents pointed out recent illegal sheds constructed by encroaching on a drain near Padmavati Nagar. The Commissioner assured that appropriate action would be taken to clear the encroachments. He also reviewed obstructions along the high-tension line road and directed officials to initiate road widening after clearing illegal structures.

Commissioner Ranganath emphasized that comprehensive development of Sunnam Cheruvu, coupled with improved drainage and road infrastructure, would create a cleaner and healthier living environment. Corporators Baba Fasiuddin and Sabiha Begum welcomed the development works and requested speedy drain widening.

Locals suggested a new link road over the lake that would connect to the 100-foot Ayyappa Society road, which the Commissioner promised to consider.

NGO Colony lakes and Vanasthalipuram UGD works reviewed

The Commissioner also visited Moosayikunta and Gosayikunta lakes in the NGO Colony area of Gachibowli. After reviewing official records, he directed officials to undertake their full-scale restoration and development.

Later, in Chintalakunta (Vanasthalipuram), he inspected the ongoing underground drainage (UGD) work under the national highway. Officials informed him that 70% of the work was complete. Locals recalled past flooding caused by an undersized drain that often left both sides of the highway inundated during heavy rains.

The Commissioner stressed the importance of completing the new drainage system to prevent future waterlogging.

Road encroachments in Mansoorabad spark inquiry

At Vivekanandanagar in Mansoorabad, Ranganath inspected several roads that had been encroached upon, where constructions were found in areas designated as roadways under the approved gram panchayat layout. He ordered a thorough probe into the encroachments and assured that necessary corrective actions would follow.

Meerpet drain cleared of encroachments, widening underway

The Commissioner also visited the stormwater drain linking Badangipet main road to the Meerpet Peddacheruvu. The drain had earlier been encroached upon by the management of Mallareddy Function Hall. In coordination with the encroachers, the Hydra wing initiated expansion work on the drain.

Ranganath instructed that the drain be developed with a width of 4 meters and a 2-meter buffer on both sides to allow free water flow and maintenance access.

Drone Survey for Lake Protection in Bandlaguda and Jalapally

In Bandlaguda and Jalapally, the Commissioner inspected Peddacheruvu and Hunda Sagar lakes. He emphasized the need to protect them from further encroachments.

Responding to complaints of land grabbing around these lakes, he ordered drone surveys to capture the existing boundaries and instructed officials to identify the Full Tank Levels (FTL) using village records, NRSC data, and Survey of India maps.

Committed to restoring Hyderabad’s water ecosystem

Through these inspections, Commissioner AV Ranganath reinforced the civic body’s commitment to protecting the city’s lakes, clearing drain blockages, and upgrading infrastructure to prevent seasonal flooding. The ongoing initiatives reflect the administration’s proactive approach to urban resilience and environmental sustainability, he added.