HYDRAA Demolishes Drainage Line Encroachments In Begumpet
The drainage line, which was originally meant to be 70 feet wide, had been reduced to a mere 15 feet due to encroachments
Hyderabad: Days after announcing a renewed focus on drainage line encroachments, HYDRAA razed two commercial buildings constructed by encroaching a channel along the main road.
Officials noted that the drainage, originally over 70 feet wide, had been reduced to just 15 feet due to encroachments. This narrowing has led to repeated flooding in nearby colonies, including Patny Compound, Patny Colony, Viman Nagar, BHEL Colony and Indiramma Nagar.
The two demolished structures, both G+1 buildings with commercial shutters, had encroached directly onto the drainage line. Their compound walls were also removed as part of the drive. The demolition followed a field inspection by HYDRAA commissioner A.V. Ranganath and Secunderabad Cantonment CEO Madhukar Naik, accompanied by officials from GHMC, irrigation and revenue departments. During the visit, the team interacted with residents, who complained that the issue had persisted for decades.
“Nearly 30,000 residents will finally see relief from flooding and the unbearable drainage stench,” said one official. Rajesh, a resident of Viman Nagar Colony, said, “For us and our neighbours in Paigah Colony, BHEL Colony, Margadarshi Colony, Avanthi Colony, Rasoolpura slum and Balamrai slum, the monsoon season means suffering. It has been this way every year since 2008.”
He explained that two drainage lines, each 40 feet wide, converge to form a 75-foot-wide channel that continues for nearly 1,000 feet. “But at Patny Compound, encroachers built a bund and reduced it to just 15 feet. This causes backflow and flooding every monsoon,” he explained.
Another resident, I.S.N. Murthy, said, “After we informed the authorities, engineers came, took measurements and used drones for a fresh survey. Only after these inspections did they proceed with demolition.”
The commissioner stated that the operation is part of HYDRAA’s broader plan to address waterlogging and urban flooding across Hyderabad. “We are identifying all submergence-prone areas and will act strictly against encroachments on nalas and water bodies. Our aim is to protect lakhs of residents from inundation,” he stated.
He added that all commercial buildings obstructing natural water flow will be removed. “If poor families are affected, demolition will be done only as a last resort. HYDRAA will take up the matter with the government to ensure they receive due compensation,” he assured.
