Hyderabad: Lakes and storm water drains shrink in size

HYDERABAD: Reduced holding capacity of lakes and encroachments on storm water drains was observed during the downpour which inundated parts of city. Water from upstream major reservoirs and tanks including Himayat Sagar and Hussainsagar was released into lakes via water channels, including storm water drains.
As holding capacity of the water bodies and its channels has reduced, neither the lakes nor the storm water drains were able to gush out the water discharged into them. Verification revealed while the lakes have been encroached upon by housing societies, commercial establishments and construction businesses, the storm water drains (nalas) have been occupied by economically weaker sections.
As per records of irrigation department, surplus water in Palle Cheruvu, Ramanthapur lake, Hussainsagar lake, Appa Cheruvu, Saroornagar lake and Gurram Cheruvu were the reasons for inundation of residential localities in eastern part of the city and in GHMC south zone covering Old City and Rajendranagar circle. Due to incessant rains, LB Nagar zone covering parts of parts of Uppal, Ramanthapur as well as GHMC Charminar zones were the most affected.