Hyderabad: Overflowing sewage has become a persistent problem in the northern and central parts of the city. Many locals are complaining that the lack of proper drainage networks in their areas is making daily life difficult. Despite raising these concerns with the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB), no permanent solution has been provided.
The recent scattered rains have caused waterlogging in several neighborhoods, including Padmarao Nagar, Gandhi Nagar, Nampally, Red Hills, Neredmet, RK Puram, and Malkajgiri. These areas still depend on outdated underground drainage systems, with pipelines that were installed decades ago. The old pipelines, which range from just eight inches to one foot in size, are no longer adequate to handle the increased sewage due to the growing population.
Suresh, a resident of Padmarao Nagar, expressed his frustration. He said, “Even with a small amount of rain, our streets get flooded because the pipelines are too old. We have repeatedly asked the Hyderabad Water Board to install new pipelines, but they haven’t acted on our requests.”
Robin Zaccheus, who lives in Neredmet, shared a similar story. He explained, “Every other week, we deal with sewage overflow. Whenever we file a complaint, they only provide a temporary fix. The Strategic Nala Development Programme in Malkajgiri has been pending for years, and most of the old pipelines haven’t been repaired or replaced. During the monsoon, the problem gets worse, and we’re told work will start after the rains, but it never does.”
Syed Khaled, Secretary of the United Federation of Residents Welfare Association, also voiced his concerns. He said, “These sewage issues seem never-ending. Despite locals complaining and urging the authorities to take action, nothing has been done. Recently, the HMWSSB began a 90-day drive, and we hope they will finally come up with a lasting solution. We also hope that the Residential Welfare Associations will be involved in identifying solutions.”
In conclusion, the residents remain hopeful that their issues will soon be addressed, but until then, they continue to deal with the recurring problem of sewage overflow.
