Unless it rains, the government does not think of storm water drains. Due to the heavy rains since last week, all the drainages are full and water is overflowing on to the roads which now resemble Godavari River. In some areas, the roads were completely closed and commuters were stuck in traffic for hours together. People staying at home too hesitated to venture out. If this situation continues to prevail, how will Hyderabad compete with other
international cities? City dwellers are of the firm opinion that the storm water drains should be developed on war footing at least now.
People say that after the formation of Telangana State, the State government did not pay as much attention to the infrastructure development in Hyderabad, as it did on increasing the land prices artificially. One must understand that just thinking about competing with foreign cities is not enough. Funds should be allocated in the budget accordingly. It is not enough for the authorities to release the GOs (government orders) and dust off their hands. Even today, we depend largely on the drainage system developed by the Nizams.
The drainage system has not been developed properly in the suburbs-turned-growth centres including Serilingampally, Qutbullapur, Kompally, Hayatnagar, Shamshabad, Attapur, Gachibowli and Patancheru, to meet the increased population. Impact fees collected from new constructions, is not being spent on infrastructure development in these areas. People are criticising that the government lacks the foresight to develop the drainage system and storm water drains in the developing areas.
Illegal constructions on Nalas
A few years ago, the government organised a special drive for the demolition of illegal structures built by the encroachers. Illegal buildings were demolished without any differentiation. However, this special has been discontinued for some time now. As a result, the nalas are being encroached upon. The municipal authorities should wake up from deep slumber and keep a watchful eye on the encroachments on the canals as well as develop storm water drains to prevent such flooding in future.
