Hyderabad: Urgent need to replace outdated sewage lines

Yousufguda (96) is a a major residential suburb in Hyderabad and due to its proximity to the IT hub near Madhapur, a lot of residential apartments have mushroomed in the last decade providing affordable alternative to other areas in the vicinity such as Jubilee Hills, Gachibowli, and Sri Nagar Colony. However, the ward has not seen any development keeping up pace with development in private realty.

In the entire division, eight streets in Rahamath Nagar, two streets in GTS colony, three in AS Rao Nagar, two in KK Towers, nine in Yousufguda needs immediate attention as most of the small sized decade-old sewage pipelines are broken causing overflows and completely damaging the internal roads. As a result, the commuters and locals are facing numerous difficulties. "Sewage lines in the slum areas behind Jubilee hills are old and need to be replaced immediately. Earlier, there was a plan to replace 4-6 pipelines in the area and a budget estimation was presented to higher officials, but nothing has progressed, says Krishna Jeelugula, a junior doctor in the area. Other than laying of a 5-Km stretch from GTS Colony to Indira Nagar, no other developments are being carried out in Yousufguda. Even the potholes which were identified to be repaired have not been resolved," said Md Ali, a young leader in Yousufguda.

"We are tired of complaining again and again over the same issue for decades, several corporators come to power but none has taken initiative to solve our issues, say the residents of division.

"Roads are very congested, moreover the roads which were laid in the regime of Chandra Babu are completely damaged. We presented around eight representations to the leaders and officials concerned in the past three years but no action has been taken so far," said Pradeep, Pizza Hut manager and a resident of Yousufguda.

"Drainage pipelines need to be replaced, KCR is presenting 24/7 electricity, but we are unable to get rid of the continuous drainage overflow for the past seven years, the foul smell emanating from the drain is unbearable and poses health hazards," says Venkat Chary, a local.

Major problems

• Drain overflow

• Damaged roads

• Dump Yard

• Irregular water supply

Demands of residents

• Proper roads (including internal lanes)

• Clearance of garbage dump yard

• Laying of new sewage pipelines

• Regular drinking water supply