Monsoon prep: HYDRAA holds workshop to discuss flood mitigation strategies in Hyderabad
Concerns were raised over the diminishing capacity of nalas across the city
By Sistla Dakshina Murthy
Representational Image.
Hyderabad: Ahead of the monsoon, HYDRAA organized a workshop to discuss the flood mitigation strategies in Hyderabad.
This comes against the backdrop of increasing flooding during the monsoons.
Titled 'Demarcation of Musi River Boundary, Identification and Demarcation of Nala Network within ORR', the workshop was focused on identifying the boundaries of the Musi River and mapping the nala (stormwater drain) network within the Outer Ring Road (ORR).
Although HYDRAA is not directly involved with the ongoing Musi River beautification project, it organized the session in response to frequent complaints about encroachments along the riverbanks.
Officials and experts gathered to deliberate on a scientific approach to marking the riverās limits and ensuring free flow of rainwater through the cityās drainage network.
Call for scientific boundary mapping
Several participants proposed that the Maximum Flood Level (MFL) be used to demarcate Musiās boundaries, similar to how the Full Tank Level (FTL) is used for lakes.
They emphasized the importance of integrating village and revenue records with hydrology reports, NRSC satellite imagery, and Survey of India maps to accurately identify and protect floodplains.
Referring to historical instances of severe flooding in the years 1908, 1954, 2000, and 2008, experts stressed the need for proactive planning to prevent obstructions in the Musiās flow.
Shrinking nalas raise alarm
Concerns were raised over the diminishing capacity of nalas across the city. According to GHMC data, there are 940 culvert locations in the city, many of which are clogged with waste, hindering the free flow of stormwater.
Experts pointed out that some nala links have been severed and called for their restoration. In locations where physical widening is not possible, realignment or rerouting has been suggested as an alternative to avoid flooding risks.
Experts also urged that just as road width is considered during city planning, equal importance must be given to maintaining adequate nala widths. A comprehensive survey was recommended to map current conditions and formulate effective drainage strategies.
Multiple departments join hands
Officials and experts from a range of departments participated in the discussion, including Revenue, Survey of India, Irrigation, Hydrology, Strategic Nala Development Program (SNDP), National Remote Sensing Center (NRSC), GHMC, and Musi Riverfront Development Corporation, and Urban Development agencies.
