Hyderabad: In an effort to address Hyderabad’s recurring flooding issues during the monsoon, the HYDRAA held a high-level consultation on Friday. The focus was on identifying the Musi river’s boundaries and the nala (stormwater drain) network within the Outer Ring Road (ORR) limits.The meeting brought together experts from various departments and agencies, including Revenue, Survey of India, Irrigation, Hydrology, the Strategic Nala Development Plan (SNDP), National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), and the Musi Riverfront Development Corporation, among others.Although HYDRAA is not officially associated with the Musi beautification project, the body received several complaints regarding encroachments along the riverbanks. Experts proposed adopting a method similar to the identification of Full Tank Levels (FTL) for lakes, proposing that the Maximum Flood Level (MFL) of the Musi be determined using historical records, village and revenue documents, satellite imagery from NRSC, and hydrological surveys. The goal is to clearly demarcate the flood-prone areas and regulate development around them.Historical data from major floods in 1908, 1954, 2000, and 2008 were also examined to better understand the Musi’s behaviour and inform future planning.The discussion also highlighted the alarming state of the city’s stormwater drains. Participants noted that the GHMC limits house nearly 940 culverts — many of which are clogged with garbage, severely restricting the natural flow of rainwater. Several nalas were either narrowed or disconnected, increasing the risk of urban flooding.Experts recommended restoring lost links in the nala network and widening or realigning certain stretches, provided it doesn’t endanger existing structures. They highlighted that the same level of planning and foresight used in road development must be applied to nala infrastructure as well.
