Heavy rains flood Hyderabad; HYDRAA tackles clogged drains
Hyderabad: After a prolonged dry spell, Hyderabad witnessed heavy rainfall on Thursday, July 17, 2025, leading to severe waterlogging in several parts of the city. Roads were submerged, and stormwater drains and culverts were found clogged with thermocol waste, obstructing floodwater flow.
The Hyderabad Disaster Management and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) activated its Disaster Response Force (DRF) and Monsoon Emergency teams during night hours. With the help of JCBs, the teams cleared the clogged drains, particularly in Moosapet and Fatehnagar, where large quantities of thermocol debris had accumulated. The waste was removed and transported away to restore normal drainage.
Relief Measures in Full Swing
Areas including Kukatpally, Pragathinagar, Vivekanandanagar, Miyapur, Moosapet, Serilingampally, Gandimaisamma, Lakdikapul, Secunderabad, and Uppal experienced heavy rainfall. HYDRAA teams remained on high alert, working continuously to clear waterlogged roads and ensure the free flow of traffic.
The agency coordinated with control rooms of the Police, GHMC, Traffic, and Fire departments to respond to emergencies. Relief operations continued throughout the night without interruption.
Drain Widening Ordered After Inspection
HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath inspected stormwater drains in Banjara Hills, focusing on Road Numbers 14 and 3. Acting on complaints from residents of Jyothi Nest on Road No. 3, the Commissioner conducted a ground-level inspection.
He reviewed the major flood drain running from Banjara Hills through KBR Park and Nandinagar, ending in the lake at Jalagam Vengal Rao Park. While the drain is 4 meters wide upstream, it narrows to 2 meters near Road No. 3. In some sections, a 1-meter pipeline has been laid, which is insufficient to handle the volume of floodwater from higher elevations.
Officials informed the Commissioner that encroachments and the absence of a buffer zone have contributed to recurring floods. Expressing concern over the narrowed drain and encroachments, he directed officials to inspect the entire stretch and ensure unobstructed water flow.
