Biowaste wrapped in plastic cause for clogging nalas and stormwater drains: GHMC

Hyderabad: Biodegradable waste wrapped in plastic bags has been identified as the prime cause for choking nala and stormwater drains across the city, according to a pilot study conducted by the GHMC in May.

The civic body found that plastic bags contributed to 40 per cent of the blocks. After a comprehensive study, the GHMC found that more than 60 per cent of bio-degradable waste was wrapped in plastic bags. Despite a ban, most of the plastic bags found in the nalas were below 50 microns.

For the pilot study, GHMC officials studied the desiltation components of one tonne of waste taken out of an open nala at Viratnagar, Shaikpet. It was found that more than 40 per cent comprised plastics, plastic covers, plates, clothes and other materials. Another 40 per cent was silt and 20 per cent of water.

During its comprehensive study, the GHMC found that residents living alongside open nalas were dumping 60 per cent of biodegradable waste including vegetable and animal leftovers. Apart from this, residents were also wrapping non-biodegradable products like sanitary napkins which harden and choke the free flow of water, resulting in inundation of low-lying areas during rain.

A senior GHMC official said the study covered two layers of the Viratnagar nala. The first layer had hardly any silt and more than 60 per cent comprising plastic waste, and the rest comprising paper plates, water hyacinth, clothes and other materials.“The second layer of desilting saw 60 per cent of silt. This is the situation on the 394 km of major nala across the city,” he said Dumping of plastic waste wa found to be the regular cause of choking of drains in areas as diverse as Ramanthapur and Biodiversity junction.

The official said floating plastic waste enters passages near culverts and blocks water. When it rains the excess water is pushed back to residential areas and causes inundation. Apart from spreading foul smell in the locality, the stagnant water affects the health of residents as it turns into mosquito-breeding centres, he said.

“Despite the ban, several commercial establishments are selling bags less than 50 microns, which was clearly evident during nala desilting. This situation could prevail until the manufacturing units are closed. Apart from this, awareness campaigns are being ignored. The situation cannot be improve with citizens who lack civic sense,” he said.