Hyderabad is grappling with widespread flooding on its roads as the monsoon intensifies, exposing long-standing issues with the city’s drainage infrastructure.
Blocked drains clogged with garbage, plastic waste, mud, and leaves have become a major challenge, causing severe sewage overflows that disrupt daily life for residents and commuters alike. The arrival of monsoon rains has compounded the problem, with rainwater mixing with stagnant domestic wastewater in already choked drainage lines. This has overwhelmed the drainage system’s capacity, leading to frequent sewage spillages onto the streets. Several neighbourhoods across the city are experiencing persistent waterlogging and sewage flooding, underlining the urgent need for effective drainage management and public cooperation.
In areas such as Old Malakpet, Rahmatpura, Yakutpura, Edibazar, and Bahadurpura, residents report extensive flooding of sewage water on roads, hampering mobility and posing significant health hazards. In Rahmatpura, for instance, roads behind the Rama Theatre remain submerged in sewage, making it especially difficult for elderly residents to navigate safely, particularly during times of prayer and daily activities. Local officials from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) point to improper waste disposal as a key factor exacerbating the situation. “The dumping of garbage, plastic, and even bulky items like beds into open drains is blocking the flow of water, leading to overflows during heavy rains,” said a senior official. The department has urged citizens to refrain from disposing of waste into drainage lines to prevent further clogging.
Despite these challenges, HMWS&SB has been actively working to mitigate the impact of the monsoon floods. The board recently completed cleaning over 3,200 km of sewer lines and more than 250,000 manholes as part of a comprehensive 90-day maintenance plan. Additionally, a special drive is underway, marking hazardous open manholes with cones to warn the public and prevent accidents during heavy downpours. Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) have been deployed in several divisions to address drainage blockages promptly during rain events. Supervisors are conducting regular inspections of waterlogged areas to ensure swift remedial action whenever sewage overflow is detected. However, officials acknowledge that these efforts need to be complemented by responsible community behaviour to achieve lasting results.
The recurrent flooding not only disrupts traffic and pedestrian movement but also raises serious public health concerns. Stagnant sewage water creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other disease vectors, potentially leading to outbreaks of waterborne illnesses. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly and children, face increased risk as they are forced to negotiate hazardous, waterlogged streets. Experts emphasise that sustainable urban drainage systems and effective waste management are critical to building a resilient, climate-adaptive Hyderabad. Proper segregation and disposal of solid waste, combined with routine drain maintenance, could significantly reduce blockages and improve the city’s capacity to handle monsoon rains. Municipal authorities are also encouraged to invest in green infrastructure solutions such as permeable pavements, rain gardens, and enhanced stormwater capture to minimise surface runoff and flooding.
While the HMWS&SB’s current response plan addresses immediate operational needs, a long-term strategy focused on sustainability, public awareness, and infrastructural upgrades is essential. Creating a zero-waste, eco-friendly urban environment remains a key priority for Hyderabad’s growth as a smart and equitable city. The monsoon flooding in Hyderabad is a reminder that infrastructure challenges cannot be resolved by administrative efforts alone. Citizens, local authorities, and urban planners must work collaboratively to ensure that the city’s drainage system is both efficient and environmentally responsible, preventing recurrent flooding and protecting public health as climate variability increases.
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