Hyderabad: Complaints over flood channel encroachments dominated HYDRAA’s Prajavani programme, with citizens urging authorities to remove obstructions affecting the free flow of stormwater. HYDRAA received 52 petitions during the public grievance programme.
Residents alleged that natural flood channels had been diverted, encroached upon or covered with underground pipelines and roads. Moreover, they said these activities obstructed floodwater flow and caused waterlogging during rains. They urged HYDRAA to restore the channels and ensure rainwater drains freely.
Several plot owners from Aminpur alleged that layouts in nearly 20 survey numbers out of 50 had submerged in Pedda Cheruvu. They requested compensation through the Transferable Development Rights (TDR) mechanism. Other complainants sought action over blocked access roads and encroachments on government land.
HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath reviewed the complaints. Subsequently, he assigned them to the concerned officials for necessary action.
Flood channel encroachments among major grievances
The Methodist Colony Welfare Association in Begumpet alleged that some people were converting a stormwater drain into an underground pipeline and raising the land level by nearly eight feet. The association urged HYDRAA to examine the proposal on technical grounds before permitting the work.
Residents of Rajarajeshwari Colony Phase II in Hayathnagar alleged encroachment on a six-acre park site reserved in a 1983-approved layout. They claimed encroachers used forged documents for registrations and carried out illegal constructions on land meant for public use.
The Pramukh Township Welfare Association in Manneguda, Ranga Reddy district, complained about encroachments and illegal construction on adjoining government land. Meanwhile, residents of Cyber Village in Kondapur said poor maintenance of flood and sewage drains caused waterlogging even after light rainfall.
The Divine Venture Plot Owners Association in Muthangi village, Patancheru mandal, sought restoration of the Muthangi nala sub-channel. It said diversion of the nala and encroachments had disrupted road connectivity and worsened stormwater drainage.
Residents of Rajarajeshwari Colony also said GHMC had earlier identified the disputed land as a park. However, they alleged that encroachments continued despite the official identification.