Manikonda residents root for restoration of Bulkapur Nala

Hyderabad: Residents in Manikonda, Puppalaguda, and Neknampur have urged authorities to survey and restore Bulkapur Nala alongside other natural drainage corridors, warning that inadequate stormwater infrastructure could leave neighbourhoods vulnerable to severe flooding. Citizens also questioned the capacity of the existing Underground Drainage network, claiming it was designed to handle a mere 20 mm of rainfall. This appeal comes amid reported water supply shortages and declining groundwater levels in the three localities during the ongoing monsoon.

Sitaram Dhulipala, resident and founder president of The Citizens Council, highlighted the risk of intense rainfall events reaching 300 mm to 400 mm, citing last year’s downpours in Kamareddy. He warned that if such extreme weather hits Manikonda, Puppalaguda, or Neknampur, a drainage system designed for lower capacity would face severe pressure, potentially causing widespread flooding, property damage, traffic gridlock, and emergency service disruptions.

Described as a natural safety valve, Bulkapur Nala forms part of an expansive drainage corridor extending from Nemalinagar through areas including Aparna Zenon, SAS IWA, Sukhii Ubuntu, View Residences, KNR Colony, ARKA TEAM4, Marrichettu, Shivapuri, Chitrapuri, and Panchavati before connecting towards Shaikpet Nala. In a formal representation, residents demanded that the entire corridor be officially surveyed, GIS-mapped, and cleared of encroachments or obstructions to restore original water flow channels.

Additionally, residents expressed deep concerns regarding inter-lake connectivity among Mushkin Cheruvu, Khajaguda Cheruvu, Bhagiratha Cheruvu, Yellamma Cheruvu in Manikonda, and Malkam Cheruvu. Protecting these lakes and feeder channels remains crucial for effective stormwater management and groundwater recharge.

Sitaram emphasized that nalas and lakes are integral flood-management and recharge systems, while resident Srikanth remarked that disaster compensation cannot replace lost lives, making prevention the only responsible approach. Residents ultimately called for safeguarding the Nemalinagar to Shaikpet Nala corridor and local lakes to strengthen long-term flood resilience and water security across the rapidly urbanising region.

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The Hans India