HYDRAA Teams Remove Encroachments from Bulkapur, IDL Drains

Speedy Summary

• The Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset protection Agency (HYDRAA) carried out a drive against encroachments on stormwater drains at Kukatpally and Khairatabad.
• Encroachments at locations such as Thummala Basthi in Khairatabad and Shivashakti Nagar in Moosapet were removed, addressing complaints from local residents.
• Inspecting the IDL nala and Bulkapur nala,HYDRAA highlighted how encroachments had caused flooding issues during heavy rains.

– The Bulkapur drain’s original width of eight metres had narrowed to five metres due to structures like compound walls of function halls built into the drain area.
– Encroachments along up to 50-60 metres of the IDL nala had similarly reduced its width from seven metres to two metres in some spots, leading to waterlogging problems in nearby localities during rains.

• Owners who agreed voluntarily to remove illegal constructions were spared from demolitions by HYDRAA officials.

Published: July 11, 2025

Indian Opinion Analysis

HYDRAA’s recent crackdown on illegal encroachments underscores an urgent need for safeguarding urban infrastructure like stormwater drains that directly affect flood mitigation measures during heavy rain events. By restoring partial sections of critical waterways such as the IDL and Bulkapur nalas, the agency aims to address infrastructural neglect that has created challenges for vulnerable neighborhoods like Habib Nagar and Shivashakti Nagar.

Such operations highlight broader urban management issues where unchecked construction not only undermines civic safety but also exacerbates climate-related risks-especially flooding.While friday’s demolitions mark a meaningful step forward, long-term solutions require sustained monitoring alongside participation from property owners and stricter regulations around urban planning enforcement.

This initiative sends a strong message about prioritizing public welfare over private interests while tackling encroachment concerns-and could serve as a model approach for other cities grappling with similar infrastructural challenges across India.

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