Hyderabad’s Cantonment area is confronting severe flooding problems attributed to its outdated drainage infrastructure, which has struggled to keep pace with the demands of a growing population. The current drainage system, including the nalas that converge at Patny centre from Hasmathpet and Picket, has failed to extend adequately, leading to significant water back-ups during the monsoon season.
The core of the issue lies in the inadequate expansion of the nalas and the problematic encroachment on Ramannakunta Lake. Residents have highlighted that the drainage system, originally designed to manage a lower volume of water, now faces severe limitations. Rajesham Chenna from Viman Nagar colony emphasised the need for a comprehensive reconstruction of the nalas. “The Hasmathpet and Picket nalas, each 40 feet wide, merge into a 75-foot-wide nala. However, at Patny, a bund has constricted this to just 15 feet, leading to significant flooding,” Chenna explained. The constriction at Patny causes water to back up, resulting in flooding in several areas including Paigah Colony, Viman Nagar, and surrounding slums. Residents such as Mohd Fassi from Paigah Colony have expressed frustration over the persistent waterlogging, which forces residents to seek refuge in higher places during heavy rains. The recurring nature of these floods, exacerbated by cloudbursts, has led to calls for immediate action from local authorities.
Ravindra Sanki from Cantonment Vikas Morcha pointed out that encroachments on Ramannakunta Lake further obstruct the natural flow of water, worsening the situation. “The alterations to the lake’s topography are contributing significantly to the waterlogging problems,” Sanki noted. In response, a senior official has assured that efforts are underway to address these concerns. “Our health department is actively working to tackle water-related issues,” the official stated. Nonetheless, the urgency for a systematic overhaul of the drainage infrastructure remains critical to mitigating future flooding and improving residents’ quality of life.
