Rainwater to be directed into Hyderabad lakes; HYDRAA inspects Sunnam Cheruvu, nalas

Hyderabad: In a bid to improve urban flood management and rejuvenate key water bodies, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has initiated measures to ensure that rainwater flows directly into city lakes through a network of feeder channels and inlets.

HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath and Cyberabad Municipal Commissioner (CMC) G Srijana jointly conducted a field inspection on Monday at Sunnam Cheruvu in Madhapur and the surrounding areas of Thammidikunta.

The officials reviewed on-ground arrangements to channel floodwater efficiently into the lakes and prevent waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Divert floodwater from Borabanda to Sunnam Cheruvu

During the inspection, officials examined proposals to divert floodwater coming from Borabanda Basti and NRR Puram into Sunnam Cheruvu through properly designed inlets.

They stressed the need to link stormwater drains with these inlets to enable the seamless flow of rainwater into the lake.

The officials also reviewed infrastructure to ensure that sewage water is diverted separately through pipelines, allowing only rainwater to enter the lakes during heavy downpours.

Road widening between Madhapur and Borabanda

The inspection also covered the proposed road widening works between Madhapur and Borabanda, particularly stretches passing under high-tension power lines. Officials assessed whether the expansion plans align with stormwater drainage requirements.

Further, discussions were held on widening existing outlet channels to ensure smooth discharge of excess water when lakes reach full capacity.

Focus on Thammidikunta flood mitigation

Heavy rainfall often leads to flooding in areas such as Kondapur, the IT hub, Shilparamam and the Metal Charminar stretch. To address this, officials emphasised improving inlet systems so that floodwater from these areas flows directly into the Thammidikunta lake.

They instructed field staff to ensure proper interlinking of drains and inlets, especially along the Metal Charminar road, to facilitate direct diversion of rainwater into the lake.

Strategic Nala Development Programme (SNDP)

Officials suggested that, if required, stormwater drain development under the Strategic Nala Development Programme (SNDP) should be taken up to strengthen the floodwater channelling system.