(Image source from: x.com/Director_EVDM)
Can Hyderabad withstand this Monsoon season?:- The monsoon season is fast approaching, but Hyderabad is not adequately prepared for the heavy rains. Despite plans to address urban flooding, the Strategic Nala Development Programme (SNDP) remains incomplete, leaving the city vulnerable to potential disaster. The GHMC and CDMA have reported that the SNDP works, which were meant to upgrade the stormwater drain network in and around the city, are behind schedule. The desilting of nalas is also progressing slowly. The completion of these projects could significantly reduce the risk of urban flooding, say GHMC engineers. The SNDP includes 58 proposed works with an estimated cost of Rs 985.45 crore, with 37 of them falling under GHMC limits. Five major works, including those on the Hussainsagar nala and the Balkapur nala, could prevent flooding in several low-lying areas in the central part of the city, but they are still unfinished. Likewise, the Badangpet and Nizampet municipal corporations and Jalpally and Kompally municipalities have yet to complete over half of their 21 proposed works.
The DRF teams are clearing water stagnation in LB Nagar. Citizens may dial 040-21111111 or 9000113667 for GHMC-DRF assistance.@CommissionrGHMC @gadwalvijayainc @GHMCOnline @TSMAUDOnline pic.twitter.com/SxCyoYQLOw
— Director EV&DM, GHMC (@Director_EVDM) May 20, 2024
This year's budget allocated Rs 56.38 crores for the desilting of 952.71 km of nalas. The proposed project aimed to desilt 3,85,090.82 cubic metres, with 2,42,980 cubic metres to be carted out. However, only 485 km of nala were desilted, with a quantity of 2,10,508.28 cubic metres removed. During a visit to some busy areas in the city, it was observed that the Comprehensive Road Maintenance Programme (CRMP) agencies had closed water exit outlets on roads and flyovers, which drain water into the stormwater drains. This lack of preparation for the monsoon season was evident in places like Panjagutta flyover, the road in front of Telangana Assembly, and Jubilee Hills checkpost to Madhapur. GHMC and CDMA officials cited land acquisition issues and court cases as reasons for the delayed SNDP works, but assured that monsoon emergency teams were in place.
The DRF teams are clearing water stagnation and fallen trees in various places in the city. Citizens may dial 040-21111111 or 9000113667 for GHMC-DRF assistance.@gadwalvijayainc @TSMAUDOnline @CommissionrGHMC @GHMCOnline pic.twitter.com/8Necxw2zwP
— Director EV&DM, GHMC (@Director_EVDM) May 19, 2024
