Hyderabad Colonies Grapple with Severe Drainage Crisis Amid Official Inaction
In the Kakaguda area under the Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB), residents of Brook Bond colony and the adjacent Jupiter colony are enduring deteriorating living conditions due to the long-standing neglect of open drains. For decades, these drainage systems have been poorly maintained, leading to persistent issues such as foul odors, rampant mosquito breeding, and frequent flooding. Even brief spells of rain cause the drains to overflow, submerging streets and blocking access to homes, with the situation becoming particularly unbearable during the monsoon season when entire stretches become waterlogged and unsafe.
Residents Voice Frustration Over Health Hazards and Official Apathy
Locals allege that despite repeated complaints to the authorities, no concrete action has been taken to address the problem. They further claim that encroachments on drains by property owners have significantly narrowed the drainage channels, exacerbating the overflow situation, while officials continue to turn a blind eye. M Narender Goud, a long-time resident of Brook Bond colony, expressed deep frustration: "We have been living here for generations, and the problem of open drains has existed for decades. Over the years, it has only worsened. What was once manageable has now become a serious health hazard. The stench is unbearable, and during rains, the drains overflow onto the roads and even into our homes. Despite multiple complaints, no permanent solution has been provided."
Monsoon Woes and Encroachments Worsen the Crisis
Sunil Ganathe, a retired IT professional who has lived in the colony since 1999, highlighted the severity during the monsoon: "Every year, the situation deteriorates during the rainy season. The drains overflow due to encroachments and lack of maintenance, flooding the entire area. There have been instances where we have had to ask our children, returning from work, to stay in hotels because they simply cannot enter the colony due to waterlogging." Another resident from Jupiter colony, with over 27 years in the area, added, "There hasn't been a single monsoon when we have felt safe staying here. Floodwaters mixed with sewage regularly enter the streets. It's not just inconvenient; it's dangerous, especially for children and elderly residents."
A woman resident of Brook Bond colony emphasized the health risks: "The open drains are a constant source of disease. Mosquitoes, foul smell, and dirty water have become part of our daily lives. We are worried about health risks, but the authorities have not taken any action despite our complaints." Residents point out that many portions of the nalas have been encroached upon, with constructions carried out over or too close to the drainage lines, restricting the natural flow of water. This, combined with poor upkeep, has transformed what should be a basic civic system into a recurring crisis.
Authorities Plan Phased Action Amid Growing Concerns
A senior SCB official, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the issue: "We have received complaints regarding drainage issues in the Brook Bond and Jupiter colony areas. Preliminary inspections indicate that encroachments and blockages in the nala network are contributing to the problem. We are planning desilting works and a detailed survey to identify and remove illegal structures affecting the flow. Necessary action will be taken in a phased manner, especially ahead of the monsoon."
With the monsoon approaching, residents fear that without immediate intervention, the situation will once again spiral into severe flooding and health emergencies. This underscores the urgent need for desilting, removal of encroachments, and proper drainage planning in the area to prevent further deterioration of living conditions.
