Bid to prevent water logging stagnates at Upperpalli

Rajendranagar: GHMC's proposed 'Box Drain' project to provide a complete solution to water-logging at Upperpalli underpass has been stalled due to some locals raising objections and a stay order pending in the court.

During rains, the knee-level water stagnation at the PVNR Expressway underpass causes chaos, stalling vehicular traffic and water enters residences. The 1.2-km Box Drain Project was to be constructed at an estimation of nearly Rs 20 crore in two bits, costing Rs 9.9 crore each. This drain box was to be executed from Pillar No. 191 of PVNR Expressway in Upperpally area to Malka Cheruvu lake, Hyderguda.

Residents question logic

The aim is to check the perennial water clogging at Pillar No.191 during every monsoon. However, the over a kilometer long and 20-ft wide box drain raised many eyebrows in nearby colonies and some patta land owners, who expressed deep concern over such a gigantic project passing through their colonies.

"There are two major stakeholders raising objections to the GHMC project. One is seeking a suitable compensation against the land given for the project while other is asking to recompense with facilities such as better roads and streetlights in the colony," said Jitender, a local social activist.

, some voices are in support for the GHMC project. The residents of Fort View Colony from where the box drain passes through say, "We have no issue with the project as it would make way out for the storm water through our colony," said Mohammed Iqbal Hussain, general secretary, Fort View Colony Owners' Association.

"Already, he said, a two metre diameter pipeline exists through which storm water gushes out towards Malka Cheruvu via our settlement. Only in the wake of excessive rainfall, the water logging happens so there is no logic in having such a huge drain box at a cost of Rs.20 crore," he argued.

Works stalled by GHMC

Perturbed by the situation, the GHMC officials, a few days earlier, called a meeting with all stakeholders to resolve the issue amicably. It is informed that many of the patta land owners have placed their 'No Objection' before the GHMC officials. However, still there is a legal hurdle in the way ahead with one such stay order pending in the court. Meanwhile, a special deputy collector has been appointed for acquisition of land.

It is said the GHMC needs nearly 1,900 square yards land for the project. Though the Malka Cheruvu comes under the jurisdiction of irrigation department, the matter presently is stuck with GHMC Engineering Wing (Project) South Zone which is looking over the construction of box drain.