Over 40% of 'nalas' and drains in Hyderabad, which were built to ensure the free flow of sewage and rain water in the city, are choked with plastic, according to the latest findings by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC).
The GHMC, which is presently on a desilting drive, said that plastic and polythene were the major items found in the drain, which were choking the flowing water. The stagnant water was also becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes, the municipal body said.
In a press release, the GHMC said that officials conducted a pilot study last week of the desiltation components in an open nala in Shaikpet's Virat Nagar.
Officials desilted and excavated one tonne of waste, to study the main constituents of the garbage.
While 40% comprised plastics and related material, another 40% was silt. Only 20% of the waste was sewage and storm water.
When the machines picked up another large heap from the same nala, they found 70% silt and 10% of materials like coconut shells, glass, construction debris etc. The remaining 20% was sewage and storm water.
In the release, GHMC Commissioner, B. Janardhan Reddy, urged citizens against dumping plastic and other solid wastes into the drains, as it was obstructing the free flow of water.
The GHMC also said that it was taking up desiltation works at a cost of about Rs 34.46 crore.
In October last year, after water almost submerged the Biodiversity junction in Gachibowli during the rains, the GHMC said that the real reason for the stagnation was nothing but citizen waste.
Releasing several photos which showed a massive pipe being covered with plastic, the GHMC had said that garbage thrown into the drains had blocked sewer pipes which made the water stagnate for nearly two days.
The GHMC also said that its engineers had to work day and night to free up the drain.