Hyderabad:
Several infrastructure development works, including the Strategic Nala Development Programme (SNDP), will soon be carried out in Secunderabad Cantonment. These works aim to solve the ongoing problem of sewage overflow in the area. Officials from Secunderabad Cantonment have stated that the work will commence once the Defence Ministry gives its approval.
The main goal of this project is to improve the drainage and sewage systems within the Cantonment limits. As part of this plan, the underground sewerage system will be upgraded. Additionally, two key nalas (drainage channels), Picket Nala and Hasmathpet Nala, will be developed. Picket Nala connects to Patny Nala, and both are crucial for managing water flow in the region.
Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) officials have shared that the State government has recently authorized the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) to execute these infrastructure projects. The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs 303.62 crore. This development will be funded by HMDA as part of an agreement with the Ministry of Defence (MoD), known as the Equal Value Infrastructure (EVI) agreement. Instead of cash compensation for Defence land, the funds will be used for the development project.
Madhukar Naik, the Chief Executive Officer of SCB, emphasized the importance of the SNDP, saying that it will create dedicated channels for water flow. Currently, the absence of such an organized system has led to the accumulation of silt in the nalas, reducing their capacity. This issue causes flooding during the monsoon season.
Naik explained that the project will involve two main strategies. First, an underground sewage system will be implemented throughout the Cantonment to prevent sewage overflow during the rainy season. Right now, many homes are connected directly to the nala system, which worsens the overflow problem. Second, the retaining structures of Picket Nala, which runs up to Patny Compound, and Hasmathpet Nala will be strengthened. These improvements are expected to control the frequent flooding and improve the overall look of the Cantonment.
The proposal for the project will be submitted to the Ministry of Defence because the land belongs to them. Compensation for the elevated corridor project has been collected, but instead of depositing the money into the Consolidated Fund of India, the funds will be used for the Cantonment’s development. Once approval is received from the Ministry of Defence, the work will begin.
