Responding to querries during the Question Hour in the Assembly, Ramanarayana Reddy said that the GHMC has already taken steps for pre-monsoon desilting of drains and creation of additional inlet points for free flow of storm water. Monsoon emergency teams were also deployed to attend emergencies during the rainy season. Further, a comprehensive proposal for remodelling stormwater drainage system was prepared in consultation with the Kirloskar Consultants and was being implemented in a phased manner depending on funds availability.

The GHMC has prepared a master plan worth Rs.6,245 crore and after taking an approval from the Chief Minister it would be sent for Centre’s approval, he added.

Referring to encroachments of nalas, the minister urged all party members to cooperate in removal of such encroachments.

He, however, assured to provide proper rehabilitation to the affected people.

Of the total 1,952 identified encroachments, about 401 have already been removed and the remaining 1,551 are yet to be cleared. With regard to inundation of localities during rains, about 109 places were identified in the GHMC area and 60 of them have already been improved and the remaining junctions would be improved in a phased manner.

Besides, a contingency plan costing Rs.8.8 crore was prepared for desilting works and removal of encroachments by end of April, he said.