Stormwater drain slab on main road caves in

HYDERABAD: Motorists and passersby near Fever Hospital, Nallakunta had a lucky escape on Tuesday afternoon when a huge slab covering a major storm water drain caved in due to heavy rains in the last few days. No casualties or injuries were reported from anyone. But coming to know of the incident, onlookers gathered in hundreds, leading to  commotion and a traffic jam that lasted a few hours. Later, a barricade was put up by Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation to prevent any accidents. It was also decided to divert the traffic through the road via an alternate route.On knowing about the incident, GHMC commissioner M T Krishna Babu along with other officials rushed to the spot and ordered immediate safety measures. The officials told Express the nala had outlived its lifespan. The 25-feet-long major drain slab was constructed more than of 50 years ago. Storm water from Secunderabad flows through this nala into the Nagamaiah Kunta nala.But locals said that a few days ago, cracks had appeared on the surface of the slab, following which they had informed local authorities. But no action was taken regarding it, they said. Meanwhile, the GHMC commissioner has directed officials to complete the tender process for restoration works within 10 days and start the works. The corporation also proposes to remodel the drain under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). The GHMC has also allocated `11.3 crore for the renovation of the Nagamaiah Kunta Nala.