Hubballi faces recurring flood management challenges

HUBBALLI

The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) seems to have disregarded the lessons from the floods of 2019, which caused extensive damage to roads and both private and public properties. A survey conducted following the 2019 floods triggered by heavy rainfall, identified several critical issues: encroachment of nalas, lack of open drainage systems in commercial and residential zones, and clogged nalas. These identical problems have resurfaced now, as the city faces another flood-like situation. Meanwhile, HDMC continues to grapple with flood management issues. Despite the severe flooding in 2019, the essential preventive measures were not implemented effectively. The uncleaned nalas remain a persistent problem, causing water logging during heavy rainfall. Most of the residential and commercial areas have been particularly affected due to poor drainage systems. Local residents have expressed concerns about the lack of proper storm water channels and the slow pace of nala retaining wall construction projects. The commercial areas along Koppikar Road, Dajibanpeth, Station Road, and others face similar challenges with inadequate drainage infrastructure.

The corporation's failure to address encroachments along natural water channels has worsened the situation. Several buildings and temporary structures continue to obstruct the natural flow of water. The absence of proper drainage networks in newly developed areas has added to the problem. The civic body needs to implement a comprehensive flood management plan. This should include regular cleaning of nalas, removal of encroachments, and construction of proper drainage systems. The corporation must also ensure that new developments include adequate drainage infrastructure. Local authorities need to work with urban planners to develop long-term solutions.R Vijay Kumar, Superintending Engineer of HDMC, explained that while the Smart City Mission's green mobility corridor work continues, areas with constructed retaining walls along nalas have remained safe from flooding.