HYDRAA clears encroachments on stormwater drains in Kukatpally, Khairatabad
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has launched a major drive to remove encroachments on stormwater drains across the city. On Friday, July 11, 2025, action was taken in Kukatpally and Khairatabad following multiple complaints from residents about flooding due to blocked drains.
HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath recently conducted field inspections along with officials and directed immediate removal of encroachments on the IDL Nala in Kukatpally and Bulkapur Nala in Khairatabad. The agency began clearing operations on both drains the same day.
Encroachments Cleared on Bulkapur Nala
At Tummalabasti, encroachments along the Bulkapur Nala were removed. The drain, which originates from Bulkapur Lake in Shankarpalli (Ranga Reddy district), passes through IT zones before entering Hyderabad. It flows through Chintal Basti and Tummalabasti, finally joining the Hussain Sagar near Khairatabad Crossroads.
In several areas, especially between Tummalabasti and Anandnagar, the nala had narrowed from its original width of 8 meters to just 5 meters due to encroachments. This led to frequent sewage overflow into homes during rains. Residents blamed a boundary wall built inside the nala by the owner of Sridhar Function Hall for the blockage. HYDRAA removed the wall on Friday.
Encroachments further upstream were also identified. Local residents have assured HYDRAA that they will remove these voluntarily. The agency has granted them a few days to comply. Meanwhile, thermocol waste dumped near the culvert at Khairatabad Crossroads was cleared to ensure smooth water flow.
Action Taken on IDL Nala in Kukatpally
HYDRAA also cleared major encroachments along the IDL Nala, which originates from IDL Lake in Kukatpally. The drain, originally 7 meters wide, had narrowed to just 2 meters in several places, leading to flooding in Habeebnagar, Sri Harinagar, and Shivasakthi Nagar. In some areas, floodwater reached waist level during heavy rains.
Structures built by the managements of NRC and NKNR function halls encroached upon over 3 meters of the nala for stretches of up to 70 meters. These were removed by HYDRAA on Friday.
The nala flows past Moosapet Metro Station before merging with Kukatpally Nala. Encroachments were cleared at several points along a 2-kilometer stretch. Near Shivasakthi Nagar, adjacent to the metro station, the nala had narrowed to just 1.5 meters. HYDRAA has begun clearing work there as well. The agency has indicated that similar actions will continue across the city to prevent urban flooding and ensure the free flow of stormwater.
