Justice Movement of India calls for policy change to address urban flooding in Hyderabad

According to the organisers of the event, it aimed to bring together government officials, community leaders, and citizens to forge a path towards a flood-free Hyderabad.

South First Desk

Published Oct 20, 2024 | 12:45 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 21, 2024 | 12:18 PM

The Justice Movement of India held an event titled "Flooding in Hyderabad: The Role of Government and Citizens in Flood Prevention".

The Justice Movement of India (JMI) on Saturday, 19 October held an event titled “Flooding in Hyderabad: The Role of Government and Citizens in Flood Prevention” in Banjara Hills to address the issue of urban flooding.

According to the organisers, it aimed to bring together government officials, community leaders, and citizens to forge a path towards a flood-free Hyderabad.

“Recent years have seen the city of Hyderabad grappling with severe flooding, causing widespread disruption and damage. In response, JMI has organised this event to spotlight the critical roles that both governmental bodies and local citizens play in flood prevention and management,” they said in a press release.

JMI also released a white paper, Comprehensive Policy for Flood-Free Hyderabad, detailing the steps needed to put a check on the issue.

Also Read: Hyderabad turns into a cluster of Urban Heat Islands: What it means

Releases white paper

The event saw a screening of the documentary ‘Why did Hyderabad Drown? which was led by JMI Organiser Goutham Ragi.

“Those who don’t learn from History, tend to suffer from its repetition. If we don’t act today, the horrific 2020 floods in Hyderabad will come back with multifold intensity,” the organisers said.

The white paper analysed the current challenges faced by the city and detailed policy recommendations aimed at mitigating flood risk through sustainable urban planning and community engagement.

“The recurrent floods in Hyderabad not only signify a lapse in our current urban planning and policies but also highlight the pressing need for a proactive approach to disaster management,” said Akarsh Sriramoju, an organiser at JMI.

“With this event, we aim to initiate a robust dialogue between the government and the citizens to collaboratively develop and implement effective flood prevention measures. JMI is gearing up to present this white paper to the Government of Telangana in the forthcoming days, underscoring our commitment to advocating for effective flood management solutions in Hyderabad. In parallel, we will intensify our efforts to raise public awareness about our Flood-Free Hyderabad campaign,” he added.

“Our goal is to cultivate widespread support that will pressurise government action towards implementing the recommendations outlined in the white paper and taking decisive steps to mitigate flood risks, “ said JMI organiser Narender Kalal.

Also Read: The politics of decentralising Hyderabad’s governance

Demands by JMI

JMI also put forth their demands to ensure a flood-free Hyderabad.

Formulate a comprehensive policy that involves all stakeholders in preventing flooding by protecting and rejuvenating lakes while ensuring the well-being of the people of Hyderabad. This policy should include effective lake restoration measures, strategies for adapting to future flood risks, and provisions for safeguarding those affected by floods or displacement through fair compensation, rehabilitation, and resettlement.
Conduct a complete survey of all water bodies, including lakes, ponds, and Nalas, to identify the total number of encroachments and constructions according to scientific and standard guidelines. Transparently disclose the results and data collected and include them in the HMDA Master Plan — 2031.
Remove illegal encroachments from water bodies and Nalas in and around Hyderabad, ensuring swift action and legal clarity for the affected structures. The government must establish clear and transparent criteria for evaluating which constructions should be demolished.
Pre-compensate and rehabilitate victims of the real-estate mafia and political and bureaucratic corruption with suitable housing within a three to five km radius or near their current location in a pre-disclosed, time-bound and proportional manner before they are moved from their current residence. Ensure access to schools, jobs, transportation, and medical facilities in the new residence.
Restore all water bodies to their original state. Implement comprehensive plans to clean Nalas, ponds, and lakes and improve drainage systems to prevent future blockages and flooding.
Install proper sewage treatment plants (STPs) to recycle drainage water for agriculture and other uses, ensuring untreated sewage does not pollute lakes and water bodies.
Rainwater Harvesting and Stormwater Management are needed to efficiently manage excess rainwater, recharge groundwater, and prevent flooding in Hyderabad. All water conservation laws and guidelines across the city must be strictly enforced.
Enforce strict environmental laws by penalising industries that dump chemicals and solid waste into lakes. Strictly enforce the Disaster Management Act, Environment Act, Water Act, etc., to prevent further environmental damage and hold violators accountable.
Prioritise decentralised development by building essential infrastructure in dryland areas of other districts in our state to reduce urban pressure on Hyderabad.
Prosecute and dismiss officials, politicians and even citizens responsible for the destruction of these water bodies, holding them accountable for the misuse of their powers.
Rejuvenate the Musi River and all other lakes by focusing on strategic Nala development and restoring their natural flow and ecological balance. We do not want superficial beautification projects; the priority must be restoring the health and functionality of these water bodies to prevent flooding and environmental damage. Ensure the health and purity of the water is maintained by making sure no contaminated/untreated water enters the Water Bodies.
Enforce the ‘Rule of Law’ equally when demolishing illegal encroachments, ensuring transparency and fairness in all actions irrespective of the socio-economic, and political status of the citizen/organisation in violation of the Law.
Empower and fund relevant authorities to act under the Disaster Management Act, Environment Act, WALTA (Water Land and Trees) Act, etc. Provide them with the necessary resources to oversee restoration, debris removal, and law enforcement.
Ensure that HYDRAA (Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency) or any other agency does not act as a parallel structure to existing authorities like the GHMC. These agencies should fall under the purview of the urban local body without bypassing its power.
Involve citizens and local government bodies in lake conservation and maintenance, creating a participatory and sustainable approach to preserving Hyderabad’s water bodies.