Hyderabad: HYDRAA has launched a focused crackdown on nala encroachments, beginning with inspections in Patny, Rasoolpura, and Chikoti Gardens—areas that have repeatedly suffered from severe urban flooding. The move comes in response to public complaints received earlier this week.During an inspection at Patny, officials found that a nala originally 17 metres wide had narrowed to just 6 metres over a 150-metre stretch, drastically reducing water flow. Local residents presented photos of past floods in Mahendra Hills, Picket, Jubilee bus station, Balamrai, and Viman Nagar, blaming the recurring inundation on unchecked encroachments. Although efforts had been made to widen the canal near Patny, locals highlighted a major bottleneck at the confluence of the Hasmathpet and Picket nalas, where the channel remains heavily constricted.In Chikoti Gardens near Prakash Nagar metro station, officials came across similar issues. A nala that was originally 6 metres wide had been reduced to just 4.5 metres at several points due to encroachments. In some stretches, the nala had even been diverted arbitrarily, worsening drainage. At one location near the metro station, the channel had narrowed to just 1.5 metres. Residents said the nala was heavily silted and unable to carry stormwater during even light rain, causing repeated flooding.Residents in both localities shared photos and videos of water entering homes during rains and demanded immediate removal of encroachments. They also showed old municipal maps and satellite images to support their claims.HYDRAA commissioner AV Ranganath assured citizens that strict action would be taken. “We are reviewing committee reports and satellite data. Encroachments will be identified and removed,” he said, directing officials from the GHMC and the irrigation department to initiate restoration work without delay.
