Hyderabad: Years of unresolved civic issues, including overflowing sewage, damaged drains, open manholes, and indiscriminate waste dumping, have made the daily lives of residents of Hanumanji Colony and Icrisat Colony Phase 1 in Bowenpally difficultAccording to the residents, despite multiple complaints to the Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB), the officials failed to conduct proper inspections or provide lasting solutions.According to residents, the problems have persisted since June 2023. They said they have lodged more than 22 online complaints through official grievance portals, besides submitting written representations to the ward engineer and emailing senior SCB officials. However, they alleged that most complaints were either left unattended for long periods or closed without permanently resolving the issues.Thejaswi Puthraya, a resident of Hanumanji Colony and software professional, alleged that overflowing drains have become a recurring problem in the locality. “Sewage regularly overflows onto the roads and enters residential areas. During the rainy season, the situation becomes much worse, forcing people to walk through sewage water,” he said.Another resident of Icrisat Colony Phase 1, Rajendra Kumar, claimed that sewage water has repeatedly entered the borewell sump used by residents. “We are worried about the health risks this poses to our families. We have reported the issue multiple times, but officials have not properly inspected the area or taken effective corrective measures,” he claimed.Residents also pointed to damaged stormwater drains and collapsed drain sections along internal roads. They added that overflowing sewage often covers the damaged portions, making them difficult to identify and increasing the risk of accidents.Yuvaraj Kumar, who runs a food court at Hanumanji Colony, said the civic issues have also affected local businesses. “Open drains and overflowing sewage create an unpleasant environment for customers. Whenever it rains, the roads get flooded, and access becomes difficult. We have repeatedly informed the authorities, but the problems continue,” he said.Residents further alleged that garbage is being dumped on a vacant plot in Hanumanji Colony instead of being cleared regularly. They said plastic waste and other litter are blown into nearby houses and streets, worsening sanitation and causing inconvenience.The residents have urged the SCB to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the locality, repair damaged drains, prevent sewage overflow, clear accumulated waste and implement a permanent solution to the long-pending civic issues. They also sought greater accountability from officials, alleging that repeated complaints over the past two years have failed to bring meaningful action.Responding to the complaints, additional Cantonment planner Tarun Palvai said, “We have taken note of the complaints raised by the residents. The issues will be inspected, and appropriate action will be taken at the earliest to resolve them.”
