The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has initiated a significant move to address the persistent flooding issues in Hakimpet, a locality that faces recurrent waterlogging during heavy rains.
This development comes after a high-level inspection by GHMC officials, who identified the need for a long-term flood mitigation strategy to combat the region’s vulnerability. During the assessment, officials noted that the flooding in Hakimpet is primarily caused by inadequate drainage systems, coupled with changes in the natural water flow due to urban development. Floodwaters from surrounding areas, particularly Banjara Hills and Lotus Pond, drain into Hakimpet, exacerbating the situation. The encroachment on natural watercourses and the shifting of soil due to construction activities in the HMDA layout have further intensified the problem.
Officials highlighted that the region once experienced minimal flooding, a scenario that changed with urbanisation disrupting the area’s natural hydrology. To address this, the GHMC has ordered the immediate removal of accumulated soil deposits and directed engineering teams to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) outlining comprehensive flood control measures. The flooding issue in Hakimpet is not new. The area has witnessed severe waterlogging incidents in the past, particularly during the 2016 and 2017 monsoon seasons. In 2016, widespread rainfall led to significant inundation in Hakimpet, Alwal, and Nizampet. A year later, heavy rains resulted in rapid water accumulation, leading to extensive waterlogging due to poorly designed stormwater drains and the encroachment of traditional water channels.
The GHMC has been implementing the Strategic Nala Development Plan (SNDP), aimed at widening nalas, desilting water bodies, and improving drainage infrastructure across Hyderabad. However, delays in executing these projects have left areas like Hakimpet vulnerable to flooding during the monsoon. The new directive from GHMC officials focuses on both immediate relief and long-term sustainability. Proposed measures include enhancing the stormwater drainage system, reclaiming natural watercourses, and ensuring proper land management to prevent future encroachments. These steps are expected to improve drainage efficiency, reduce the frequency of floods, and mitigate the impact of heavy rains on residents and businesses in Hakimpet and its surrounding areas.
Urban experts have emphasised the importance of integrating eco-friendly and sustainable practices into flood management plans. This includes maintaining green cover to absorb rainwater, adopting permeable surfaces to reduce runoff, and implementing rainwater harvesting systems in urban infrastructure. The GHMC’s decision to commission a DPR reflects a growing recognition of the need for resilient urban planning in the face of climate-induced weather extremes. This approach aims to create a more equitable and sustainable urban environment, ensuring that vulnerable communities are protected from the adverse effects of flooding.
As the city continues to grow, the importance of proactive flood management becomes increasingly critical. The GHMC’s initiative to develop a long-term flood mitigation strategy for Hakimpet sets a precedent for other urban areas facing similar challenges, highlighting the need for comprehensive planning and community involvement in creating flood-resilient cities.
GHMC Plans Major Flood Relief Project for Hakimpet Amid Recurrent Waterlogging
