GHMC work drowns driver

Closure of inlets of lakes results in inundation of the cellar

The GHMC’s unscientific approach while constructing walking tracks claimed the life of a driver who drowned when the cellar of a building got inundated following heavy rain in Kukatpally on Friday night.

Several colonies were inundated after the GHMC lake wing closed the inlets of lakes to build walking tracks. This prevented the free flow of rainwater to the lakes.

In Friday’s incident, police said driver Gopi went to sleep in a car parked in the cellar of Sri Mayuri Residency in Jayanagar, Kukatpally. Water entered the cellar during the rain and the driver drowned.

Corporation official had closed the inlets to the Yellamma Cheruvu to lay a walking track, causing inundation of the area.

The incident was also the outcome of the failure of town planning officials in ensuring that safety measures are in place before giving occupancy certificates. The officials have to inspect cellars, parking space and fire safety norms. If the cellars are deep, the builder has to instal a motor to pump out excess rainwater if it enters the cellar. This was not done at Sri Mayuri Residency.

Asked about the incident, town planning officials refused to comment. Lake wing officials said they were clueless about the incident.

The civic body has been constructing walking tracks at Foxsagar lake in Ameerpet, Amber lake, Rangadhaminikunta, Nallagandla cheruvu, Patel cheruvu in Madinaguda, Vennala cheruvu in Jeedimetla, Nalla cheruvu , Yellamma cheruvu, Chakali cheruvu, Dhobi cheruvu, Pedda cheruvu (Gopanpally), Bathulakunta, Banjara lake, Nagole cheruvu and Kapra lake. GHMC superintendent, lakes, Bheem Prasad said he was unaware of the walking tracks since he had assumed charge recently.

The incident was also the outcome of the failure of civic officials in ensuring that safety measures are in place.