By: Bharat Daily Samachar Date: 27 Sep,2025

The Impact on the Old City

The Old City, known for its narrow lanes and dense population, bore the brunt of the rains. Localities like Charminar, Falaknuma, and Bahadurpura were among the worst affected, with roads resembling mini-lakes. The heavy waterlogging not only disrupted vehicular movement but also seeped into houses and shops, causing inconvenience to residents and traders alike.

For daily wage earners and small shopkeepers, this sudden disruption meant a direct hit on their livelihood. “Every year, it’s the same story. Just a few hours of rain, and our markets drown. Customers avoid coming here, and our stock gets damaged,” lamented a shop owner near Mecca Masjid.

Bridge Closure and Traffic Diversions

The most significant disruption was the closure of a vital bridge connecting the Old City with other parts of Hyderabad. Officials from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) stated that the water level beneath the bridge had risen dangerously, prompting them to temporarily shut it down.

Traffic police quickly swung into action, announcing diversions to manage the growing congestion. Commuters heading towards Koti, Malakpet, and Secunderabad had to take longer alternate routes, which extended travel time by nearly an hour in some cases. Social media platforms were flooded with posts from frustrated commuters stuck in long jams, calling for better city planning and flood management.

Emergency Services on Alert

With rains showing no sign of slowing down, the Disaster Response Force (DRF) teams were deployed across flood-prone zones. Pumps were installed at key junctions to drain out water, while emergency helplines were activated for citizens needing assistance.

Hyderabad Traffic Police issued multiple advisories, urging people to avoid unnecessary travel and stick to safer routes. Auto-rickshaw drivers and cab services reported a surge in demand, while prices for app-based rides shot up due to increased traffic and limited availability.

Citizens Struggle, Social Media Reacts

For office-goers and schoolchildren, Monday morning turned into a nightmare. Many buses were either delayed or canceled due to flooded roads, forcing parents to arrange alternative travel. Videos showing cars half-submerged in water and two-wheelers struggling to pass through knee-deep stretches quickly went viral.

On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #HyderabadRains and #OldCityFloods trended throughout the day. While some users shared real-time updates to help fellow commuters, others criticized the civic authorities for failing to provide long-term solutions to the recurring problem.

One user wrote: “Hyderabad is becoming another Venice every monsoon, except without the charm. Just broken roads, flooded lanes, and chaos.”

The Larger Problem: Urban Flooding

Experts point out that the recurring scenes of waterlogging in Hyderabad are not new. Rapid urbanization, encroachment on natural lakes, and poor drainage systems have combined to make the city increasingly vulnerable to monsoon fury.

Urban planner S. Anwar explained, “Hyderabad was once known as the City of Lakes. Over the years, many of these lakes were filled up for construction projects. The natural drainage channels that carried excess rainwater have been blocked. Now, every time there is heavy rain, the water has nowhere to go.”

He added that unless serious steps are taken to revive natural water bodies, invest in underground drainage, and enforce stricter building norms, Hyderabad will continue to face flooding year after year.

Government Response

The Telangana government has assured citizens that restoration work is being carried out on a war footing. GHMC officials are monitoring hotspots and claim that additional resources have been allocated to drain out water at faster rates.

Telangana Chief Minister has directed officials to stay on high alert and ensure no lives are lost due to negligence. Relief camps have also been set up in vulnerable areas to help those whose homes have been affected by flooding.

Precautionary Measures for Citizens

Doctors in the city have also issued warnings about the rise of waterborne diseases during this season. Residents are being urged to boil drinking water, avoid walking barefoot in flooded areas, and use mosquito repellents to guard against vector-borne illnesses.

Traffic police have also advised people to:

• Avoid taking two-wheelers through flooded roads.

• Keep headlights on while driving in heavy rain.

• Use navigation apps to check diversions before starting a journey.

• Report stranded vehicles to helpline numbers for quick clearance.

Looking Ahead

While the rains have exposed Hyderabad’s infrastructural challenges, they also serve as a reminder of the urgent need for climate-resilient planning. Experts suggest that with proper investments in drainage infrastructure, stormwater management, and stricter urban regulations, the city can handle monsoon rains much more efficiently.

For now, residents of Hyderabad are hoping the skies clear up soon, and life can return to normal. But as long as structural problems remain unresolved, each heavy downpour will likely bring the same story of disruption, diversions, and distress.