Traffic and dust sweep NH 163, compromise visibility

Although the recent widening on one side of NH 163 (towards Warangal) has helped in smooth flow of traffic, the opposite end of the highway remains narrow leading to an ironic turn of events. Heavy vehicular jams coupled with dust are not only increasing air pollution, but is posing untold problems to commuters.

Heavy cloud of dust rises during evenings on NH 163 after the Uppal X-road towards Medipally from the vehicles. The stretch of NH 163 lacks proper sweeping machines. The team of seven people pulling rickshaw is the work force that sweeps the stretch on a regular basis. This makes no difference as dust is only being cleared off the roads by piling up either on the sides or towards the dividers. While dust affects commuters on a regular basis, traffic jams only make the situation worse.

Officials from Health and Transport wing, GHMC while acknowledging the issue said, “Most of that area still doesn’t fall under the Corporation. There is a resistance from the Panchayat, too. Our major concern right now is to widen the other side of the road for a better flow of traffic.”

While acknowledging that the place lacks proper sweeping machines they said, “Dust can only be handled properly once we can handle the traffic. Regular attempts are being made to get the road widening plans sanctioned. Work will progress soon.”

Another major aspect causing heavy dust in the area is lack of pavements. Srinivas Rao (42), who takes a walk from Gandhi Statue towards Uppal X road every day, rues. “Countless RTC buses travel from these unpaved roads. People can barely walk and are often pushed towards the corners as vehicles try to overtake them from all corners. Overtaking vehicles definitely don’t stick to roads coming over pedestrian walking area rising dust as they accelerate.”

Uppal Corporator Anala Reddy explained how most of the sweepers due to lack of bins either sweep the dust to the sides or throw it in the nalas around the area. “There is one man who pulls a rickshaw carrying a bin. Once the bin is full, dust is either swept towards the dividers and the sides or they throw the garbage into the nala along with most of the people running butcheries who throw all their garbage also into it,” she said.

By Sasidhar Kocharlakota