Warangal, located in a semi-arid region of Telangana, is experiencing urban flooding exacerbated by unplanned urbanization, population pressures, and a flawed drainage system. Recent heavy rains have led to flooding in several colonies, causing health risks due to contaminated water entering homes. To mitigate this, proposed solutions include public awareness programs, better drainage maintenance, regulation of construction, and community involvement in rainwater management.

1. URBAN FLOODING
Kuntamalla Sujatha Gudimalla Prashanthi,
Asst Professor, Sericulture faculty, Dept of Zoology,
Kakatiya University, Hanamkonda, LB College,
Warangal. Warangal.
Madichetty Sai Abhishek,
Engineer, Bangalore.

2. Warangal (Orugallu), located in semi-arid region is second largest district after
Hyderabad in newly formed Telangana state spreaded over an area of 12,84,000
hectares, hot and dry climate throughout the year with minimum rainfall of 177
mm/38.5 inch per year precipitation. The warmest months are May to June with
average temperature of 370C and maximum 450C – 480C. Bhadrakali,
Dharmasagar and Waddepally are three summer storage tanks which cater to the
drinking water needs of tri-cities (Hanamkonda, Kazipet and Warangal).
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3. Warangal being a drought area, the water levels in the resources are very low in
few months to tackle the worst conditions drinking water is pumped from
Devadula Project. Arrival of Southwest monsoons in June to August months is
a rejoice to the people after a prolonged severe summer but the relief is laced
with apprehension in most areas for the last 3 - 4 years. The monsoons are not
only arriving late but causing havoc with its fierce intensity resulting in urban
flooding. The urban planning is not only causing property damage and financial
losses within a short span of few days.
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4. ROOT CAUSES
• Due to establishment of many new educational institutions and industries in the
district in recent years there is continuous population shift from Hyderabad and
surrounding districts resulting in enormous pressure on available land and
services.
• Urbanization, population leading to industrialization impacts their activities,
increases demand on resources, pressure on food supply system subsequently its
effects on agricultural and economic activities.
• Unplanned old drainage system.
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5. •Dumping and non-maintenance of nallas and drainages.
• Dumping of large quantity of domestic wastes / sanitary wastes in water bodies.
• Drainage systems without a capacity to drain runoff rainwater in a quick and
• Construction of unauthorized houses and shopping malls on top of nallas and drains,
low lying area surrounding the reservoirs generated urban flooding even when it rains
slightly.
• Construction of tar and cement roads without space for percolation of rainwater into
ground, the construction of new roads over the existing roads increases the height over
the existing residential house corridor height leading to inflow of rain into the houses.
efficient way.
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6. Incessant rains in Warangal in recent days disrupted the normal lives of people residing
in affected colonies of 100 feet road, Tulsi bar area, Sammaiah nagar, Naimnagar, TV
tower colony, Amaravathi colony and many other colonies where marooned with
rainwater for two days. The muddy, drainage water mixed with solid domestic waste and
pollutants entered the houses which may have negative effect on health of the people.
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7. MANAGEMENT
•Awareness programs are to be organized to educate the residents about root
causes and management of urban flooding.
•Installation of doppler to give more accurate information.
•Drainage system shouldn't be clogged with solid domestic sewage or sanitary
sewage.
•Desiting/Bioremediation of nallas and drains.
•Banning of new/future constructions of houses and commercial malls or nallas.
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8. • Protection of lakes, reservoirs and tanks with walls as strong fencing.
• The municipal staff must be trained to take appropriate measures to tackle the
problem as per the procedures.
• Publicity/documentation of all government activities through media to make the
people know how remedial measures to be taken.
• Construction of more parks so that overflowing water percolates into the
ground.
• Hard decision in form of punishment and also demolition of unauthorized
structures for draining of rain water.
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9. • Town planner should regularly
monitor the prohibited areas to
prevent encroachments.
• Separation of rainwater drainers from
sewage system.
• Replacement of impermeable
roads/pavements with permeable
material.
• Raising of electrical outlets and
motor sockets to prevent shocks
during flooding.
• Last but not least, people have to be a
part of rainwater management as
urban flooding is largely caused by
human interaction with nature rather
than meterological and hydrological
factors.
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ACKNOWLEDGE FROM INTERNET & TEXT BOOKS

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