Hydraa blames encroachments for nala mishaps during Hyderabad downpour

Hydraa launched massive search operations in Musheerabad and Asif Nagar after three people were washed away in nalas during Sunday’s heavy rains. Commissioner AV Ranganath cited encroachments as the main cause

Hyderabad: The Hydraa teams launched massive search operations in Musheerabad and Asif Nagar on Monday for individuals who were washed away in the nalas due to heavy downpour on Sunday night.

AV Ranganath, Commissioner of the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (Hydraa), inspected the search operations around Afzal Sagar Nala in Asif Nagar and Vinobha Nagar Nala in Musheerabad. Hyderabad Collector Harichandana Dasari also accompanied the Hydraa Commissioner during his visit to Afzal Sagar Nala.

---

Ranganath directed the Hydraa teams to immediately close each catch pit. He also suggested coordinating search efforts with other government departments.

Three people went missing due to the heavy downpour: Arjun (26) and Ramu (25), residents near Afzal Sagar Nala in Asif Nagar, and Dinesh alias Sunny (26) near Vinobha Nagar Nala in Musheerabad. The intensive search continued on Monday as they had not been traced.

Hydraa Commissioner Ranganath said that massive encroachments on the stormwater drains are the main reason for the incidents. Illegal structures built on the drains also cause significant flow obstruction. A large number of poor people live near the drains, and the government will seek alternatives if demolition becomes necessary.

Ranganath stated that action would proceed only after conducting a study with the GHMC, irrigation, and revenue departments. Given the large number of poor residences, all precautions would be taken. So far this monsoon, Hydraa has removed silt equivalent to 2,200 truckloads, and the effort is ongoing. They plan to intensify the program citywide.