Nala widening work stopped

A contractor backed out from nala widening work at Dharani Nagar since there was a delay in land acquisition by the civic body.

The GHMC took up the activity of widening the Pariki Cheruvu Nala from Allwyn Colony to Dharani Nagar Bridge from the existing three metres to seven metres at a cost of `5.75 crore last year. The Dharani Nagar Nala was supposed to be widened to avoid inundation of the surrounding areas.

The civic body had begun construction. The one year contract was awarded in February this year for widening and construction of the retaining wall on either side of the nala.

About 36 encroachments were to be acquired but only 22 structures that were easy to remove like compound walls and sheds were cleared. The remaining 14 structures were residential complexes like buildings, which were yet to be acquired.

According to highly placed sources, the 22 properties that were acquired were partially demolished structures which are not useful for carrying out the activity. The work is not profitable for contractors when they do not have a sizeable portion of work to do. They have to get JCBs and labourers each time permission is given for demolition, which is not a viable option. Consequently, the contractor gave up on the job.

These RCC structures coming in the way are major hindrances to the flow of the nala that needs to be cleared first for construction of the retaining wall and to ensure free flow even during heavy rains.

“The excavation is difficult as the properties are adjoining the nala which might result in the collapse of buildings. Due to rains, the temporary diversion bunds collapsed. If we had a clear site, the work could have been completed even before the monsoons," an official said.