Open drain accidents raise fresh safety concerns in Hyderabad
The alleged sweeping away of a 70-year-old man into an open drain in Miyapur has renewed concerns over Hyderabad's stormwater infrastructure. The incident has highlighted recurring accidents across the city and raised questions about civic safety measures and preventive action
Hyderabad: This year’s monsoon, though delayed, has begun with a tragic incident, the alleged sweeping away of a 70-year-old man into an open drain during repair works in Miyapur on Tuesday.
The incident has once again brought the spotlight on the city’s vulnerable stormwater infrastructure, raising questions over whether lessons from past accidents have led to better safety measures.
The apathy of the civic administration and its failure to take appropriate safety measures well in advance had earlier resulted in the loss of lives and left several others seriously injured. There have been incidents in Secunderabad, Bachupally and Karmanghat, among other places, where the alleged negligence of the administration resulted in people being swept away in drains.
Incidents of people swept away in drains:
April 2023: Kalasiguda, Secunderabad – Nine-year-old Mounika was swept away after falling into an open stormwater drain during rain. Her body was recovered later.
September 2023: Pragathi Nagar, Bachupally – Four-year-old Nithin fell into an uncovered drain while walking with a relative during heavy rain. His body was recovered nearly 2 km away in Nizampet Lake.
August 2025: TKR Kaman, Karmanghat – Food delivery executive Syed Farhan fell into an open drain while delivering an order during heavy rain. He was rescued by locals.
September 2025: Asif Nagar and Vinod Nagar, Parsigutta – Three men were swept away in separate stormwater drain incidents following heavy rainfall. Despite extensive searches, the victims remained untraced for several days.
September 2025: Yakutpura – A five-year-old girl fell into an uncovered manhole left open after desilting work. She survived with minor injuries.
November 2014: A 26-year-old woman, Satyavani, was swept away and died in an open stormwater drain near the Rathifile Bus Station in Secunderabad during heavy rain.