Troubled with sewage overflow, residents mull shifting

Hyderabad: The long-standing problem of untreated sewer water in residential areas of the city is compelling the residents to move out of these localities. People living in places like Madhura Nagar, Ameerpet, and Sri Nagar Colony rue that they have been struggling with the issue and its impact on health and their daily lives for years without any resolution, and moving out seems like the only option left for them.
“We have been facing the issue since 2019. People are thinking about moving out due to the sewage issue. It is deteriorating the reputation of our township. We have tried everything over the years, but the situation has only worsened,” said S Punna Reddy, a manager in one of the townships.
While other residents cite how the long-standing issue has been raising health concerns, a 43-year-old resident of Vijaya Towers in Ameerpet added that due to the constant exposure to sewage, rats and insects, her family has faced various health issues and infections over the years.
“I get nauseous just from the smell and it becomes hard to even eat a meal. Having lived here for 15 years, I can say that the situation has never been this bad, though it has been going on for the past six years. As I recall, minor improvements were made just before elections, but no permanent action has been taken since,” she added.
Residents also shared that despite repeated complaints to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and Hyderabad Metro Water Works & Sewerage Board (HMWSSB), their problems have fallen on deaf ears, which has now forced them to move out of their ancestral homes.
“This is our own house, but now my parents are considering moving out due to the stink. However, rents are high, and we have always depended on metro access, which we would not have in the locations being considered. I have tried multiple times to approach GHMC regarding the sewage issue, but have not been successful,” said Sree Ganesh, a student residing in the neighbourhood.
Similarly, residents of Madhura nagar have also been dealing with a similar issue since 2019 and are now urging the authorities to look into this issue.“We want to continue living in our own homes, but not at the cost of our lives,” added Raghunath Reddy, a resident.
The HMWSSB said that they will start work shortly to lay separate lines for sewage to be diverted.
“The current pipelines are old and a bit smaller. We are soon going to lay new pipelines which will curtail the sewage from overflowing on the streets,” said an official from the department.