Hyderabad: Concrete slabs covering stormwater drains, coupled with the accumulation of silt and garbage beneath them, have emerged as a major cause of flooding in several parts of the city, according to Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) commissioner AV Ranganath following a field inspection on Monday.The inspection covered flood-prone areas including Jubilee Gardens in Kondapur, Shamshabad, Attapur and Ramdev Baba Nagar. Officials found that extensive covering of nalas with concrete slabs had made desilting and routine maintenance difficult, resulting in the buildup of silt and waste that obstructs the free flow of rainwater and aggravates waterlogging in low-lying areas.“We have already started removing the concrete slabs over drains in Jubilee Gardens and are carrying out large-scale desilting works. During the inspection, we found that a stormwater channel near Meenakshi Apartments had narrowed considerably due to encroachments and pipeline works, worsening flooding in the area. Faulty interlinking of drains meant to divert sewage was also identified as a contributing factor,” said AV Ranganath.To address the issue, the commissioner directed officials to remove slabs covering drains wherever necessary and complete desilting operations on priority. He said the slabs would be replaced with removable grills that can be opened at intervals of three metres, enabling regular cleaning and maintenance of the drains.Similar problems were identified in Shamshabad, Attapur and Ramdev Baba Nagar, where blocked inlets and heavily silted drains have led to recurring waterlogging during rains. HYDRAA has instructed officials from various departments to implement permanent corrective measures.“The objective is to ensure that stormwater drains remain accessible for periodic maintenance and function effectively. The identified locations will be reviewed again within a week to assess progress,” Ranganath added.
