Warangal’s underground drainage plans remain on paper

Nearly 10 months after announcing Rs.4,170 crore for a comprehensive underground drainage network in Greater Warangal, the project remains only on paper. With repeated flooding and stagnant water, residents are frustrated as assurances by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy remain unfulfilled

Hyderabad: Last November, the State government gave in-principle approval for allocation of Rs.4,170 crore to establish a comprehensive underground drainage (UGD) network in the Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation (GWMC). Nearly 10 months later, the project remains only on paper.

Except for a few works taken up in Khila Warangal limits, the UGD network across most parts of GWMC has not progressed beyond planning, leaving residents anxious. The allocation was announced during Praja Vijayotsavalu to mark the Congress government’s completion of one year in office.

---

The problem is not new. Even last monsoon, residents in several areas under GWMC limits waded through knee-deep water, while low-lying colonies were submerged. The situation has not changed this year either.

Last week, heavy rains led to flooding in several colonies, including Hunter Road, NTR Nagar, Ramannapet, Shivanagar, Kareemabad and Sakarashi Kunta. Warangal railway station was inundated with knee-deep water, leaving passengers struggling to reach platforms. Traffic on the Warangal–Khammam main road was also disrupted by stagnant water.

Frustrated residents have lashed out at the government for failing to act despite repeated monsoon misery. Adding to their disappointment is the fact that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, who also holds the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) portfolio, had assured development of Warangal on par with Hyderabad.

Ironically, the MAUD department also approved the Warangal Master Plan 2041 in November last year. The plan covers 1,800 sq km across 181 revenue villages and envisages overall development of Warangal and its surrounding areas.