Encroachments make Nizamabad flood prone

The Phulong rivulet, one of the major drainage systems in the city, was said to have been encroached upon at Gayatrinagar, Hanma-nnagar, Vinayaknagar, Pragathinagar, Srinagar Colony, Yellammagutta and Kanteshwer. A few educational institutions had set up shop on the banks of the Phulong, spilling on to the river bed and constructing compound walls and buildings.

The D-54 canal from Quilla to Kanteshwer New Housing Board Colony was also encroached upon, with private parties and builders constructing houses and blocking the natural flow of sewage and rain water in several parts. For instance, a gated community came up in Gupanpally, which did disturb the flow while SC Colony’s presence caused the village to be marooned by floods two years ago. Angry villagers destroyed the gated community’s compound wall to let the flood water pass through. Finally, the promoters of the colony constructed storm water drains. A similar situation prevailed at Muralikrishna Mandir area in Maruthinagar and Hanuman Mandir near Women’s College crossroads.

Too many encroachments have been known to build up a flood. The people of Malapally, Mujahidnagar, Auton-agar, Khoja Colony and other residential colon-ies in the city had experienced it two years ago when drainage water entered homes in the low-lying areas. Residents of such areas and slums, fearing a recurrence of this, urged the district administration to verify the encroachments and take necessary preventive measures. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a municipal officer said that they would prepare a comprehensive plan regarding this.

According to data available with the engineering section of the NMC, the city has 1,240 km of major and minor drains, both pucca (concrete) and kutcha (makeshift) drains. The Corporation officials have submitted proposals for remodelling the D-54 drainage canal at an estimated cost of '7.15 crore, but the funds have not been sanctioned yet.