Hyderabad: Bismillah Colony residents seek better roads, drainage and sanitation in Shaheennagar

Residents of Bismillah Colony in Shaheennagar have alleged that poor roads, inadequate drainage and irregular garbage collection continue despite the area's merger with GHMC. They say the lack of basic civic infrastructure has created health hazards and made daily commuting difficult.

Hyderabad: Non-motorable roads, overflowing garbage and lack of proper drainage facilities are what the residents of Bismillah Colony, in Shaheennagar, near RGI Airport, have been forced to live with for long. The working-class residents of the colony complain that muddy pathways, stagnant water and poor sanitation have become a daily struggle, posing serious health risks.

The colony, which was earlier under the jurisdiction of Jalpally Municipality, was later merged with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). However, residents point out that basic civic infrastructure has not improved even after the merger, leaving them to cope with long-pending issues.

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The internal roads in several parts of the colony have turned into slush during rains, making it difficult for residents, particularly children, elderly persons and two-wheeler riders, to move around.

With no dedicated drainage lines, rainwater accumulates on the roads, creating unhygienic conditions and increasing the risk of mosquito breeding and water-borne diseases.

Garbage dumped at various locations in the colony adds to the residents’ woes. They allege that irregular garbage clearance and lack of sanitation measures have affected the health of people living in the area.

Mohammed Abdul, a kirana store owner and resident of the colony, said, “We have been facing problems with roads and drainage for years. During rains, the entire area becomes muddy and customers find it difficult to reach our shops. Garbage remains scattered in many places, causing health problems.”

Another resident, Mohsin, an auto-rickshaw driver, said the condition of roads has made their daily lives difficult. “We have to take our vehicles through mud and potholes every day. There are no proper drainage facilities, and rainwater enters the lanes,” he said.

A school teacher residing in the colony said, “Children have to walk through dirty and muddy roads to reach schools. The lack of drainage and sanitation affects everyone, especially families from the working class who cannot afford private alternatives.”