HDMC rolls out Rs 4.1cr monsoon drive to cut flooding risks

Hubballi: The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has launched comprehensive monsoon preparedness works across all wards to curb flooding and improve stormwater flow during the rainy season.

Tenders have been floated in all zones, and works have begun with an overall outlay of Rs 4.1 crore. The initiative is being implemented ward-wise to ensure uniform coverage and timely execution, with priority to areas prone to waterlogging and overflow during heavy rain.

A key component of the programme is desilting and cleaning of nalas across the city. Over time, nalas accumulate silt, debris and waste that restrict water flow and cause backflow into streets and low-lying areas. By clearing these, HDMC aims to restore drainage capacity and enable faster discharge of rainwater. Alongside nalas, focus is also on major open drains, where blockages often lead to stagnation, foul odour and public health concerns.

Works have commenced in all wards, with nala cleaning taken up simultaneously to fast-track progress before peak monsoon spells. Field teams are removing silt and waste systematically, using machinery where feasible and manual labour in narrow stretches. The desilted material is being cleared to prevent it from being washed back into drains during rainfall.

The drive aims to improve drainage efficiency, protect roads and infrastructure from water damage, and reduce inconvenience to residents during intense showers. By taking up works in advance across zones, HDMC is ensuring stormwater channels remain functional, critical drain points stay free of blockages, and vulnerable areas receive focused attention as part of citywide preparedness.

HDMC commissioner Rudresh Ghali said 66 works worth Rs 4.1 crore have been taken up, including 20 works in the South division (Rs 1.6 crore), 33 in the North (Rs 1.4 crore) and 13 in Dharwad (Rs 1.1 crore).

All zonal officials have been directed to ensure nalas are clean and water flows freely to avoid untoward incidents during heavy rain, he added.