Surface drain system to mitigate rain woes in Hubballi-Dharwad

HUBBALLI: Whenever it rains in the twin cities, it rains woes on the residents of low-lying areas of Hubballi-Dharwad, who have to grapple with waterlogging on the roads and worse still, the nightmare of water gushing inside their homes. On the other hand, Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) is often flooded with complaints from owners of commercial establishments in several localities of inundation in their basement.However, the HDMC is intent on solving this problem once and for all.
The civic agency has decided on developing an effective surface drainage system in areas that the officials have identified as being prone to waterlogging. The new system, which is being designed and implemented in collaboration with a German company, will prevent roads from being inundated and rendering commute impossible and prevent water from entering homes in vulnerable areas. Officials of the Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation (KUIDFC) has urged HDMC to submit its proposal to the state government so that work on the new system can begin at the earliest.
Social activist Parvez Konnur highlighted the need for open drains in residential and commercial pockets of the twin cities. “Preventing stagnation is vital to keeping roads in good condition,” Konnur said.
The rebuilt road in Badami Nagar, Konnur held up as an example of quality and design. “All roads need to be designed and built in such a manner so that they endure,” he said.
Sources in the public works department pointed out that on many of the concrete thoroughfares in Hubballli-Dharwad, provisions had not been made to ensure seamless flow of rainwater.
HDMC commissioner Suresh Itnal said that the civic agency would utilise funds under various schemes to initiate work on open drains in Hubballi-Dharwad. Itnal confirmed that KUIDFC had sought a proposal on the system from HDMC. “We will submit the proposal soon,” Itnal added.