Ahead of monsoon, GHMC resumes box drain works

Hyderabad: The GHMC has resumed construction works of the 220 meter-long 'Box Drain' connecting Balkapur Nala, Hakeepet, to Al-Hasnat Colony in Tolichowki.

"We took up box drain works last September with an outlay of Rs 1.25 crore to overcome the issue of storm water. Out of 220 metres, works for an extent of 87 metres have been completed," informed R Shivanand, the executive engineer, GHMC Circle 13. Explaining that the delay in completion was due to existence of an electric transformer and a pole near Hero Showroom, Tolichowki, he said, "the issue has been resolved now and works have been resumed as we have managed to shift the transformer few meters away from the planned route."

"We are facing shortage of labours due to covid-19 issue. But we are mananging with whatever labour force available," said an assistant engineer, Shanker. Explaining the length and width of the box drain, he said the diameter of the drain box is 2 m x 2 m cross sections for a length of 220 meters. Water clogging in Nizam Colony, Meraj Colony and Al-Hasnat Colony has become a perennial issue. Storm water fills the streets up to one or two feet in these colonies. The Masjid street in Nizam Colony is the worst hit stagnating point, said Mohd Tajuddin, a senior resident of Nizam Colony, Tolichowki.

"Following an issue between the people of upstream colonies of Shaikhpet and military colony over the diversion of storm water through Balkapur Nala, construction of box drain became inevitable. To get rid of water clogging issue in colonies here we have planned to extend the existing box drain at Tolichowki cross road up to Al-Hasnat Colony via Nizam Colony and Meraj Colony. This will help at least to flush out the storm water during rainy seasons," said Corporator Mohd Naseer.