In Mahabubnagar, a nala that once played an important role in connecting the Pedda Cheruvu and Kotta Cheruvu has been badly encroached upon. Over the last 20 to 30 years, the nala, which used to be 15 to 20 meters wide, has now shrunk to just 2 to 3 meters. It has turned into a narrow drainage system filled with household waste.
The problem has worsened due to a real estate boom in the area. It is reported that some land grabbers and developers, with the help of municipal officials, have been selling plots without following regulations. Many houses have been built dangerously close to the nala, and during heavy rains, water flows directly against the walls of some homes. Although the government requires a buffer zone of at least 9 meters from the nala, many constructions have broken this rule.
Residents from wards 33 and 34, including areas like Madugunagar, Khalil Chowk, Nalbaouli, and the Fire Station region, are upset. They say that municipal authorities are not properly overseeing the approval of building permits.
After heavy rains caused flooding in these areas, Municipal Chairman Anand Goud and Municipal Commissioner Maheshwar Reddy inspected the nala. They found that in several places, the nala was blocked by underground pipelines and road constructions.
In response to the flooding, officials are now taking steps to address the problem. Municipal authorities have said they are aware of the encroachments and plan to conduct a full survey before issuing notices to the people responsible. After getting legal advice, they will begin a demolition drive to remove all illegal constructions on the nala.
Residents are hopeful that the district administration will take quick action to restore the nala to its original size, as a comprehensive survey of low-lying areas is being planned.
