Hyderabad: 'Historic' ward has ahistory of civic issues

The Doodh Bowli division (53) under Bahadurpura constituency is saddled between two major localities Shalibanda and Bahadurpura is known for its landmark Gandhi ka Putla (statue) and has notable localities like Chandulal Baradari, Talam road and some colonies of Hussani Alam. The Doodh Bowli is known for several historic buildings known as Devdis and old structures showcasing the era of Nawabs. The division has around 40 percent slums and has a mixed population of 58,000 including both Muslims and Hindus. With voters numbering around 37,672, the BC reserved ward is currently represented by M A Gaffar as Corporator.

For the last three terms, AIMIM has been the party winning the GHMC elections and Moazzam Khan is MLA of Bahadurpura constituency. In 2016, M A Gaffar won with 10,267 votes against the nearest contender M A Wahab of TDP who received 2,671 votes. This year AIMIM reshuffled the candidates and gave a ticket to Mohammed Saleem.

Major issues

The major issues troubling the residents of Doodh Bowli are lack of major developmental works and lack of facilities like hospital, government school and community hall. The division has a history of civic issues like bad roads, contaminated water supply, severe sewage overflow and poor sanitation. "Apart from lack of basic amenities, the roads have turned bad to worse owing to ongoing project of road widening by the GHMC. The master plan is pending for several years," said Mohammed Ahmed, a social activist.

"The road widening works started in May 2016, and demolition works were started in end of 2017 and hardly 70 per cent of the demolition works have been completed till now, crossing the deadline of 2018. Road widening at Dhoodh Bowli in Hussainialam is also pending. A total of 192 properties are acquired in which 108 properties are yet to be demolished and for last several months there is no activity," he added.

"During previous elections, the corporator had promised for the development of Bahadurpura Kamela (slaughterhouse), but it is yet to materialize and the existing one remains unhygienic," said Mohammed Imtiaz, a resident of Chandulal Baradari.

"A few years back, the sports complex which was built was no longer in use for the people as it has been under the occupation of some local leaders. The complex remains locked without any activities," said Ahmed.

"The entire division has a problem of sewage overflow. Most of the colonies have an old sewerage pipe system which causes sewage overflow on roads and it turns horrible for commuters as well as residents. The concerned department should solve the problem permanently and must upgrade," said Ashok, a resident of Gandhi ka Putla near Fateh Darwaza.

Several areas are neglected without any signs of developmental works. There is no sweeping on roads, no desilting of manholes and no road works have been carried out for years. Even after many complaints to the GHMC we are facing neglect. Due to lack of hygiene, the colony has also become a breeding ground for mosquitoes," he added.