HYDRAA clears canal blockage, eases flooding in Maruthinagar
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) responded promptly to flooding in Maruthinagar, Champapet, after unseasonal rains on Wednesday night caused water to enter several homes. The flooding was triggered by a mismatch in canal sizes between the floodwater canal from Salkam Cheruvu and the narrower canal in Maruthinagar. The local box drain was both undersized and clogged with garbage, leading to overflow.
HYDRAA officials acted swiftly, deploying a JCB machine to clear the blockage. The floodwater is now flowing smoothly, bringing relief to residents. Commissioner A.V. Ranganath visited the affected area on Thursday morning for a ground-level inspection. He identified the primary causes of the flooding and highlighted the need to widen the Maruthinagar canal to ensure proper flow from upstream during heavy rains. With the monsoon season approaching, the Commissioner instructed teams to remain on alert in flood-prone areas to prevent similar incidents.
Earlier, on May 21, Commissioner Ranganath conducted field inspections following grievances raised during the Prajavani program. He visited Ranganath Nagar in Gopanpally Village, Serilingampally Mandal, where plot owners complained of widespread encroachments by real estate firms.
The layout, developed in 1985 with over 850 plots on 184 acres, was legally purchased by residents. They alleged that during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, large developers occupied the land, demolished existing houses, and converted roads and parks into agricultural fields. They also claimed a local temple was affected.
Plot owners reported being attacked when attempting to access their land. Despite favorable court orders, including a High Court directive based on Supreme Court instructions to resolve the matter within four weeks, enforcement has been lacking. Officials, including the GHMC Deputy Commissioner and the designated nodal officer, have reportedly failed to act, and bouncers have been deployed to prevent access. Commissioner Ranganath assured that both parties would be called for discussions within seven to ten days and promised a thorough investigation with appropriate action.
On the same day, the Commissioner visited Chengicherla and Boduppal in Medchal district. In Sri Mata Aravind Colony, residents claimed a former MLA is attempting to encroach on their layout by falsely linking it to nearby temple land managed by the endowment department. The colony, established decades ago with 444 plots on 7 acres, borders the MLA’s land. Residents said the MLA is obstructing property registrations. Commissioner Ranganath said he would look into these complaints and take necessary measures.