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Time of India
11 hours ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Hubballi faces recurring flood management challenges
Hubballi: The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation seems to have disregarded the lessons from the floods of 2019 in Hubballi, which caused extensive damage to roads and both private and public properties. A survey conducted following the 2019 floods in Hubballi, triggered by heavy rainfall, identified several critical issues: encroachment of nalas, lack of open drainage systems in commercial and residential zones, and clogged nalas. These identical problems have resurfaced now, as the city faces another flood-like situation. Meanwhile, HDMC continues to grapple with flood management issues. Despite the severe flooding in 2019, the essential preventive measures were not implemented effectively. The uncleaned nalas remain a persistent problem, causing waterlogging during heavy rainfall. Most of the residential and commercial areas have been particularly affected due to poor drainage systems. Local residents have expressed concerns about the lack of proper stormwater channels and the slow pace of nala retaining wall construction projects. The commercial areas along Koppikar Road, Dajibanpeth, Station Road, and others face similar challenges with inadequate drainage infrastructure. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The corporation's failure to address encroachments along natural water channels has worsened the situation. Several buildings and temporary structures continue to obstruct the natural flow of water. The absence of proper drainage networks in newly developed areas has added to the problem. The civic body needs to implement a comprehensive flood management plan. This should include regular cleaning of nalas, removal of encroachments, and construction of proper drainage systems. The corporation must also ensure that new developments include adequate drainage infrastructure. Local authorities need to work with urban planners to develop long-term solutions. R Vijay Kumar, Superintending Engineer of HDMC, explained that while the Smart City Mission's green mobility corridor work continues, areas with constructed retaining walls along nalas have remained safe from flooding. However, Old Hubballi regions lacking these protective walls have experienced flooding issues. He noted that they identified the primary flooding causes in Old Hubballi and surrounding areas. Recently, MLA Prasad Abbayya, DC Divya Prabhu, and the HDMC Commissioner advised NHAI officials to remove the low-level bridges at Nekar Nagar, as these structures cause rainwater blockage, leading to flooding in residential and other areas. He further stated that several flood prevention strategies were developed and will be implemented.
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
HDMC plans enhanced security for public facilities
Hubballi: The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) devised a strategy to enhance security coverage at its facilities. The corporation aims to strengthen surveillance at parks, graveyards, garbage compactor stations, and significant projects completed under the Smart City Mission . HDMC administrators proposed to engage 64 security personnel through outsourcing and presented this proposal for approval from the general body. The proposal aims to enhance surveillance and protection of public spaces across the twin cities. Sources also said that security personnel will be deployed in shifts to ensure round-the-clock monitoring of these facilities. The HDMC identified parks, graveyards, garbage compactor stations, and several smart city projects that require dedicated security coverage. Security guards will be responsible for preventing encroachments, illegal activities, and vandalism in these spaces. They will also ensure that park timings are followed strictly and maintain visitor logs. At garbage compactor stations, the guards will monitor proper waste disposal and prevent unauthorised dumping. HDMC officials estimated a monthly expenditure of around Rs 15 lakh for security arrangements. The corporation plans to hire these personnel through registered security agencies following proper tender procedures. Selected security personnel will undergo basic training in public dealing and emergency response protocols. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top Packaging Trends In 2025 - Take A Look Packaging Machines | Search Ads Search Now Undo The smart city projects, including the parks, stadium, and public amenities, require special attention to maintain their infrastructure. The proposal includes regular security audits and performance reviews of the deployed personnel. HDMC also planned to install CCTV cameras at strategic locations to support the security staff. The corporation expects to implement this plan within two months after receiving approval from their general body. This initiative reflects HDMC's commitment to protecting public assets and ensuring citizen safety in Hubballi-Dharwad. R Vijay Kumar, superintending engineer, HDMC, explained that the general body's approval was sought for hiring security guards through outsourcing. These guards would be deployed at project sites managed by Hubballi-Dharwad Smart City Limited (HDSCL), SWM compactor facilities of HDMC, and various public facilities within HDMC jurisdiction. Security personnel would be stationed at various corporation properties, including stations, gardens, crematories, and departmental facilities, where protection is essential. He further stated that a total of 64 security guards would be required to safeguard HDMC properties, and their wages would be in accordance with govt-mandated minimum wage regulations.
