Hyderabad is experiencing significant waterlogging as the monsoon season begins. Residents complain that officials have neglected proper preparations, leading to flooded neighborhoods.
Despite past flooding incidents and warnings, the city’s response has been slow. Many manholes, stormwater drains, and nalas remain uncleared, causing blockages. Even after some desilting, piles of mud left on roads worsen the situation. Actions by the civic body to prevent water inundation seem insufficient as roads continue to flood.
Activists point out that essential monsoon work, including the Strategic Nala Development Program (SNDP) by the Telangana government, is far from complete. Mohammed Ahmed, an activist, notes how a short 15-minute rain can flood main roads, highlighting the lack of readiness. He stresses that construction should halt during heavy rains, but activities persist, creating dangers for drivers due to dug-up roads and potholes. Venkat Rao from Surya Nagar in Shaikpet shares that internal roads flood with knee-high water, making it difficult to access main roads. People often get stuck, unable to move their vehicles.
Heavy rains have severely affected many areas, including Tolichowki, Attapur, LB Nagar, Uppal, Begumpet, Kukatpally, Miyapur, Banjara Hills, and Jubilee Hills. Old City areas like Talabkatta, Tadbun, Yakutpura, Dabeerpura, Darulshifa, Bahadurpura, and Old Malakpet also suffer. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has identified over 141 locations prone to waterlogging and is working on permanent solutions.
