HYDERABAD: A comprehensive flood mitigation blueprint prepared years ago by Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad (JNTUH) remains largely unimplemented, even as three municipal corporations in Greater Hyderabad struggle to tackle rain-triggered flooding.
The Unimplemented Blueprint
In 2018, the Centre of Excellence in Disaster Management at JNTUH, in collaboration with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), conducted an audit of flooding in the city. The study identified 229 waterlogging locations spread over 750 square kilometers.
The proposed flood management strategy carried a price tag of Rs 4,900 crore. Although the project reportedly received cabinet approval under the previous government, it was later put on hold due to funding constraints.
Key Proposals
The report recommended separating stormwater movement from road traffic through an integrated flood management network. Key proposals included stormwater drainage systems, flood bypass channels, interconnected rainwater harvesting structures, water storage tanks, and solar-powered pumping systems for quick evacuation of excess rainwater.
A major component of the plan was the creation of 636 water storage tanks across public and private lands. The blueprint also proposed 2.7 lakh rainwater harvesting pits citywide, including 17,767 on government land. In addition, experts recommended developing about 450 kilometers of major stormwater drains linked to over 1,000 kilometers of minor drainage channels across the city.
What's in the Blueprint
Flood Bypass Network
Drawing a parallel with road bypasses that ease traffic congestion, JNTUH proposed a dedicated urban flood bypass system to divert excess rainwater efficiently. The study suggested relocating major stormwater drains to road medians, protecting them from encroachments, utility works, roadside activities, and waste dumping.
To finance and maintain the infrastructure, the report proposed a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model involving private investors. Under this model, private operators would manage water tanks, borewells, solar installations, and pumping systems while recovering investments through regulated water supply services. Solar panels installed on tanks could also generate electricity for public lighting and other civic needs.
How the System Works
The proposed system integrates rainwater harvesting pits, storage tanks, stormwater drains, and flood bypass channels into a single network. Once rainwater harvesting pits reach capacity, excess water would flow into storage tanks. If those tanks fill up, solar-powered pumps would transfer surplus water into stormwater drains and bypass channels, carrying it safely to other locations.
Each storage tank was proposed to be equipped with a 10-15 kW solar-powered pumping system supported by batteries or grid connectivity. During non-rainy periods, surplus power generated by the solar installations could be used for municipal services or supplied to the grid.
Key Concerns Flagged
The study identified several factors aggravating flooding. Rainwater frequently mixes with sewage because of inadequate stormwater infrastructure. Many buildings lack effective rainwater harvesting pits, allowing runoff to flow directly onto roads.
Other concerns include encroachments along drainage channels, dumping of waste, poor integration between road design and water management systems, uneven rainfall patterns and groundwater levels, and the loss of natural drainage paths due to rapid urbanization. Experts noted that unchecked urban growth, inadequate rainwater harvesting, and poorly maintained drainage infrastructure have increased the severity of flooding across the city.
Economic Impact
The report also highlighted the economic impact of waterlogged roads. Rain-induced damage lowers travel speeds, reduces road capacity, and increases vehicle operating costs. With an estimated 25-30 lakh vehicles using city roads daily, even modest traffic disruptions translate into substantial losses. During the monsoon, travel speeds can drop by 20-30%, increasing fuel consumption and commute times.
According to the study, if congestion results in an average additional travel cost of Rs 6 per vehicle per day, economic losses could touch Rs 9 crore daily. On an annual basis, the impact could exceed Rs 2,700 crore. Including health impacts and the value of travel time, the economic burden is estimated at Rs 3,000 crore every year.
What Experts Suggest
Experts argue that Hyderabad requires a scientifically engineered flood-management system rather than cosmetic measures that merely create an impression of action for taxpayers.
“The current approach being implemented through the Storm Water Drainage Project (SNDP) and rainwater holding structures appears to focus mainly on creating storage space for floodwater. However, effective flood management is not just about holding water; it is about ensuring its efficient movement and evacuation,” said KM Lakshmana Rao, former principal investigator of the Centre of Excellence in Disaster Management, JNTUH.
“Floodwater must have a clear path. This requires detailed hydraulic and geometric analysis of drainage networks, assessment of flow capacities, and the creation of interconnected cross-drainage channels wherever necessary,” he added.
