HYDRAA launches major desilting drive in Fathenagar–Balanagar area

Hyderabad: The HYDRAA has launched an extensive desilting operation at three kilometres of the nala stretch in the Fathenagar–Balanagar industrial area. Large quantities of garbage and silt have accumulated along this drainage network over several decades of around six to seven feet of silt.

According to HYDRAA, the operation is being carried out along the storm water nala after HYDRAA officials found that merely clearing silt near culverts would not be sufficient to ensure the smooth flow of floodwater. The agency has therefore taken up desilting along the entire stretch of the nala, where several feet of silt and waste have accumulated over decades.

HYDRAA has deployed its Monsoon Emergency Teams and DRF personnel for the operation. On Thursday, HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath inspected the ongoing desilting works and others conducted the field inspection.

Officials informed the Commissioner that the stormwater channel, which was originally designed to be around 25 metres wide at its beginning and nearly 40 metres wide in the Fathenagar area, has narrowed considerably due to encroachments. Ranganath directed officials to organise a meeting with industrial unit owners in the area and work towards removing encroachments that are obstructing the free flow of floodwater.

The problem has been compounded by the accumulation of large quantities of silt and waste. As a result, even moderate rainfall of around four to five centimetres can lead to flooding in both industrial and residential areas.

Several industrial unit owners from the Balanagar industrial area had raised the issue during HYDRAA’s public grievance programme for encroachments at various locations obstructing the smooth movement of floodwater.

Following the complaints, the Commissioner conducted a field inspection and instructed officials to expedite the desilting works.

The flood channels originating from Pariki Cheruvu and IDL Cheruvu merge at Kukatpally and pass through areas including Bharat Nagar, Deendayal Nagar, Fathenagar, Balanagar, Shobha Colony, Gauthamnagar, IGPuram, Begumpet and Prakash Nagar before ultimately joining Hussainsagar.

The flood channel from Fox Sagar, which passes through Jeedimetla, joins the Kukatpally nala near Gautam Nagar. Officials estimate that a substantial volume of accumulated silt will be removed once the entire stretch is cleared.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MM Farooqui

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M M Farooqui, senior correspondent with interest in writing a range of stories about Hyderabad and its Purana Sheher. An experienced journalist specializing in departments including Heritage, Transport, Municipal Corporation, Majlis among others with over six years of writing expertise. When not immersed in writing, he can be found spending time in eating Hyderabadi cuisines, Mughlai, Chinese, exploring new things and listening to songs and qawwalis. Farooqui is an accomplished writer with a passion for writing with six years of experience, he has honed his craft in various genres. Farooqui’s diverse family history and embracing cultures have enriched his writing with unique perspectives.

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