A relentless, day-long search operation in Hyderabad on Monday, September 15, 2025, tragically failed to locate the bodies of three individuals who were swept away in the city’s drains during two separate incidents. Forces from the Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) spearheaded the extensive efforts, but to no avail.
HYDRAA chief A.V. Ranganath was on the ground, personally overseeing the desperate search. In Asif Nagar, the focus was on the Afzal Sagar drain where two young people vanished. Simultaneously, teams scoured Vinoba Nagar, where a collapsed retaining wall pulled another youth into the drainage system. A grim discovery was made near Ramnagar: the motorbike belonging to the Vinoba Nagar victim was found inside a catch-pit, offering a chilling clue to his fate.
Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) chief A.V. Ranganath monitored the search operations in Vinoba Nagar, Musheerabad on Monday. | Photo Credit: BY ARRANGEMENT
Ranganath issued directives for personnel to meticulously open and immediately re-secure every catch-pit during their search. District Collector D. Hari Chandana also joined the inspection of the affected areas, witnessing the scale of the challenge firsthand.
Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) chief A.V. Ranganath and District Collector D. Hari Chandana in Afzal Sagar on Monday. | Photo Credit: BY ARRANGEMENT
Speaking to the media, Mr. Ranganath unequivocally attributed these tragedies to the widespread encroachment of the city’s drainage systems. He highlighted how illegal constructions built directly over and alongside the drains have not only narrowed them but also severely altered the natural flow of water, leading to disastrous consequences during heavy rains. He vowed that any structure impeding the drainage system would be demolished. Crucially, he assured that families from economically weaker sections displaced by these necessary demolitions would receive rehabilitation through alternative housing. Before any action is taken, a comprehensive study will be conducted in collaboration with the GHMC, Irrigation, and Revenue departments.
Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) chief A.V. Ranganath in Afzal Sagar on Monday. | Photo Credit: BY ARRANGEMENT