Hyderabad Corporator Takes A Tough Stand Against Sewage Problems, Sits In Sump For 3Hrs

The inaction of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) in addressing the sewage problems, despite several complaints being filed, has provoked the TRS corporator, S. Thirumala Reddy into retorting to an unusual way of protest. Mr Reddy entered the drainage sump in Hayathnagar area on July 19 and sat in the murky water for the next three hours. This act of the Corporator soon attracted the attention of the GHMC officials who then arrived at the location and assured him that necessary action will be taken to address the issue.

Ravindra, an executive engineer with GHMC, said that the issue has been addressed and an estimate sheet has been sent to the zonal commissioner. “As soon as we get the approval from the civic body, repair works will begin,” he added. As reported by The News Minute.

The issue

The absence of underground drainage systems in Padmalaya Colony, Mythrivanam and Mythri Kutir, which falls under the corporator’s division, has led to the overflow of sewage, causing the formation of pools in open places, attracting pigs and other animals. The residents of Hayathnagar have been forced to bear with the inconvenience and stench for two years now.

Speaking to The News Minute, S Tirumala Reddy said that he has registered many complaints with the authorities in the GHMC in the past two years against the pathetic conditions of the sewage system in his corporation. “There is already an outlet mainline and trunk line, and only some 200 metres of pipeline needs to be laid to connect it to the main line. But for last two years, the GHMC has not laid the line. The sewage overflows on to the road and residents are unable to use to the road due to the foul smell emanating from the sewerage,” Reddy said.

Drainage problems faced by the city

Hyderabad is a fast-growing city with a large number of people migrating here from different parts of the country. In many major areas of the city, the sewage system is decades old and under-equipped to cater to the needs of the current population. The stormwater drainage system is insufficient to deal with the excess water brought in by the rains.

Every downpour brings with it inevitable cases of overflowing drains and manholes, damaged roads, clogged sewers and brings the city to a grinding halt. Monsoons turn out to be a logistical nightmare for the people.

According to a 2017 report by Deccan Chronicle Hyderabad’s road network of around 9,000 km has only 390 km of stormwater drains. This means more than 80 per cent of the twin cities area has no channel for rainwater to drain off.

This issue needs to be addressed before the situation escalates considering the fast-growing population and untimely rains.

Also read: This Is How Bellandur Lake In Bengaluru Has Changed To A Drainage Swamp In The Last 20 Years

Also published on Medium.