HDMC begins cleaning of storm water drains

Hubballi: The Hubballi Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has learnt a lesson from the last years’ experience. In 2019, torrential rainfall caused many storm water drains (SWD) to overflow and caused floods in several areas. Properties worth lakhs were destroyed due to water gushing into the properties
Many bridges were inundated due to the water flowing out of nalas and the repair of damaged bridge is still on.
Apart from cleanliness drive in the pandemic times, HDMC has also started cleaning SWDs. It is dredging nalas so that rainwater flows easily without any hurdles.
Last year, water from Unkal Lake overflowed due to incessant rains. The water hyacinth which had grown extensively in the lake blocked water in SWDs. This year, the priority has been given to clear the weed from the lake.
According to HDMC officials, the total length of SWDs in the twin cities is 12.5km, of which 11km are in Hubballi.
HDMC commissioner Suresh Itnal said the corporation is not spending any money for cleaning SWDs as some companies have provided earth movers and tippers as a part of their corporate social responsibility. The cleaning work began in April and will be completed before the onset of monsoon, he added.
“We took up cleaning work where the flood situation was worse last year. Workers have cleared silt, weeds and shrubs from the drains,” he said.
Stating that work is still pending in zone number 9 and in other areas, he added that it will be get done in another few days.
“Hubballi-Dharwad Smart City Ltd is building a green mobility corridor on the main storm water drain which originates from Unkal Lake and reaches Gabbur 10km away. Under the green mobility corridor project, a retaining wall be built along the drain and it takes time,” said Itnal.