Hyderabad gets ₹858-cr to upgrade drainage systems

The Strategic Nala Development Plan (SNDP) wing, established under the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, has prepared detailed proposals worth ₹858 crore for upgrading, redevelopment and maintenance of stormwater drains in Hyderabad. Some of the long-pending issues, such as restoration of Balkapur Nala in Khairtabad and construction of a six-lane major bridge on Tank Bund opposite Marriott hotel, are among the civic body's proposals sent to the state government.

The state government accorded administrative sanction to the project after the GHMC submitted zone wise plans and measures to mitigate the damage caused by floods with a focus on clearing encroachments on nalas and other structures that obstruct the flow of water and result in flooding. The SNDP had carried out a detailed study of the existing nala and stormwater drainage system and has identified critical narrow points, encroachments on nalas, trunk mains and feeder nalas among other issues and submitted a detailed report to take up all the works on a mission mode. These include crucial works in peripheral Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) as well. Meanwhile, in a recent review meeting with the engineers at the GHMC head office, municipal administration and urban development (MAUD) Minister K Taraka Rama Rao had directed the civic body officials to remove encroachments and obstructions that have come up along the nalas. The scheme also includes the allotment of double-bedroom houses for the displaced homeless families. The proposed project will be carried out in 15 different packages to expedite the work and complete them at the earliest. The GHMC commissioner shall prioritize the works to be taken up in the first phase and take necessary action accordingly.