In effort to tackle chronic flooding, Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) cleared 242 truckloads of waste from city drains in just ten days. Operation ran from June 19 to 28,targeting twelve zones like Charminar,Kukatpally,Uppal, where clogged storm drains are a headache.
Cleanup in Chandanagar circle revealed piles of discarded cable wires blocking drainage. This caused water to flood roads during rain, worsening local flooding. At Aghapura drain, which flows into Musi River,HYDRAA teams spent eight days clearing 20 truckloads of debris . Mattresses,chairs,plastic waste filled the trucks.
HYDRAA chief A.V. Ranganath said they had to break concrete slabs covering drains to remove garbage. But breaking slabs each monsoon isn't sustainable . “Drains should be open,” he said. Yet,local complaints about odors often push authorities to seal drains,creating a cycle of clogging.
De-silting ops,though not HYDRAA's official duty,are done with municipal corporations. Despite efforts,Ranganath noted issue persists. “Day after de-silting,fresh garbage flows down same path,” he said. People keep trashing the nalas.
Hyderabad lacks a reliable waste system,leaving residents few options for big items like sofas,mattresses. An official noted furniture showrooms won't take back old items; bed makers will,but you have to drop them there. To avoid transport costs,many dump these in drains.
Only Swachh Auto Trolley operators link residents and civic bodies for waste disposal,charging extra for non-regular waste,complicating things. Seven years ago,Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation started bulky waste drive but it fizzled out,leaving issue unsolved.
As Hyderabad struggles with waste woes,HYDRAA's ongoing efforts underscore need for a lasting solution to prevent flooding and improve city's drainage. But will it happen…?
