Residents in Chaderghat and Malakpet are facing the fear of flooding during monsoon season every year. The overflow of Musi River during heavy rains causes houses to flood and brings immense loss to the residents. They are demanding a permanent solution to this problem while feeling frustrated by the lack of action taken by Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation officials and political leaders.
In the past three years, heavy rains and the filling of Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar reservoirs have caused the release of water, leading to sleepless nights for families living near Musi River in Chaderghat and Malakpet. Approximately 400 families live in low-lying areas close to Musi in Malakpet, including Kamal Nagar, Shanker Nagar, Moosa Nagar, and Rasoolpura. During the rainy seasons of 2020 and 2021, numerous houses were washed away, resulting in the displacement of around 300 families who had to stay in camps for several days.
Despite repeated appeals from the residents, the authorities have failed to undertake significant measures to address the flooding of roads and houses. When heavy rains occur, the localities get submerged, and when the reservoir gates are opened, everything is washed away. Households lost their groceries, clothes, kitchen items, furniture, and more, leaving them to start from scratch without any assistance from officials or leaders.
According to social activists, the reduced depth of Musi River is a major cause of flooding in nearby areas. The presence of a large pile of debris and garbage is still observed. Previously, Musi River had a depth of 30-40 feet, but now it is not even half of that. If the depth of the river is not reduced, areas like Chaderghat, Nagole, and Moosarambagh may not experience flooding during rains. The government should focus on reducing the river’s depth by proper disposal of construction waste and implementing desilting and cleaning measures instead of blaming encroachments and nearby slums whenever the development of Musi River is discussed.
