Hydraa flags raised buffer zone at Musi site despite approvals

HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Analysis Authority (Hydraa) has found that land at a construction site near the Musi river in Narsingi was filled and the buffer zone height raised, increasing flood risk despite official approvals. Hydraa Commissioner AV Ranganath said Hydraa has been mapping the flood course of Musi from Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar since September 26 using drone and video surveys. “This exercise was aimed at identifying the flood plain of Musi,” he said.

Water entered building cellar

During inspections on September 27, Hydraa teams visited the site after receiving complaints against Aditya Builders. Ranganath said, “Water from Musi entered into the cellar of the building. This endangers the lives of residents during floods.” The commissioner added that the company had constructed a retention bund to stop inflow of water, but it was not effective. “We could still notice water entering the site area,” he said.

Approvals but fresh enquiry ordered

Ranganath confirmed that the builder had obtained permissions from the concerned agencies. However, Hydraa observed that the buffer zone was filled and its height raised. “We will now have to do a proper enquiry. Ground-level facts and the flood situation must be taken into consideration. A proper exercise will be conducted,” he said.

Hydraa has documented the entire area with drone footage. “After conducting a thorough enquiry, we will submit a report to the government and the agencies concerned,” Ranganath said.