The former Municipal Administration Minister and BRS working president, KT Rama Rao has said that the Strategic Nala Development Program (SNDP) implemented by the KCR government was the key reason why Hyderabad was spared from major flooding despite the heavy rains in the past few days.
KTR stated that the SNDP, a remarkable program initiated by then Chief Minister KCR, has provided a permanent solution to the perennial flooding issue in Hyderabad. Despite the incessant downpours, the low-lying areas of the city did not experience the usual waterlogging, which KTR attributed to the success of the SNDP.
Residents of the flood-affected areas have acknowledged that the SNDP was instrumental in protecting them from the deluge. KTR expressed gratitude to all those who were part of the SNDP implementation.
When Telangana was part of the Andhra Pradesh, heavy rains and floods would inundate the low-lying areas of Hyderabad, disrupting the lives of the poor and middle-class residents. Recognizing this as a critical issue, the KCR government conceived the SNDP as a comprehensive solution, KTR said.
Under the SNDP, the state government undertook 60 major works worth Rs. 985 crores to strengthen the city’s stormwater and sewage infrastructure. This proactive measure ensured that Hyderabad was spared from the flood crisis, even without any financial assistance from the Central government.
KTR highlighted that the SNDP involved the rapid development of 36 key nalas (drainage channels) that would otherwise overflow with even minor rainfall. The fact that these areas did not witness waterlogging despite the recent heavy downpours is a testament to the success of the SNDP, as confirmed by the residents themselves.
Under the erstwhile Greater Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad, the stormwater and sewage systems were in a dilapidated state, leading to the merging of the two systems and creating an overall chaotic situation. As part of the SNDP, the restoration of old nalas and construction of new ones were undertaken on a war footing.
KTR conveyed his appreciation to all the stakeholders who were involved in the implementation of the SNDP, stating that their efforts have paid off and protected the city from the devastating impact of the floods.