Hyderabad: Residents of Panjagutta Officers’ Colony have been battling overflowing drainage for months, with the lane near Al Quboor Masjid turning into a daily struggle for pedestrians. Residents say the problem persists regardless of whether the city experiences heavy rainfall or a dry spell, with water accumulating on the streets almost every day.Pedestrians navigating the lane are forced to walk along the edges of the road, where mud and silt have accumulated, making the surface slippery and increasing the risk of falls. The stagnant water also mixes with garbage, dust and waste from nearby mechanic shops, turning black and giving off a strong stench that residents say is difficult to bear.Mohammed Anwar, 70, a longtime resident of the locality, said periodic cleaning of the drains has failed to address the problem.“I have been living in the locality for a very long time. The officials clean the drains, but there is no permanent fix. The silt washes onto the roads whenever it rains, causing a stench,” he said.Residents also raised concerns about the manner in which the drains are cleaned. They alleged that workers often remove the silt and leave it piled beside the drainage opening instead of collecting and disposing of it properly. The piles, which contain household waste and sticky dirt, are washed back onto the road during rain. On dry days, they continue to attract mosquitoes and emit a foul smell.Tarit Paul, 25, said navigating the lane requires constant caution. “Walking down the street is a problem every day as one has to be careful about not slipping or having a vehicle splash water on you. Because the roads are uneven, one can also miss smaller bumps,” he said.With several children playing in the residential colony, residents are particularly worried about their exposure to the contaminated water. Many children, they said, play barefoot and may be unaware of the health risks associated with prolonged contact with stagnant water. Even when there is no passing traffic, residents said their feet frequently become soiled while walking through the lane, raising concerns about skin infections.A senior HMWSSB official overseeing the area said the department was aware of the issue and that a permanent solution was being worked on.“The silt removed during drain cleaning cannot be lifted immediately after the work as it remains wet. Workers either wait until the end of the day or collect and remove it the following morning. The water flowing in from upstream is putting additional pressure on the pipes, which are unable to handle the load. We are working on a permanent solution and will resolve the issue soon,” the official said.
