Indira Nagar colony battles drainage overflow, unsafe buildings
HYDERABAD: A year after Telangana Governor adopted the Indira Nagar colony in Khairatabad under the Swachhata Seva initiative, residents say little has changed on the ground. Despite an initial survey by Raj Bhavan officials and a voluntary organisation to identify civic problems, the long-pending issues remain unaddressed.
Officials and residents had expected visible development after the Governor’s visit. However, in the absence of regular follow-up or coordination between the Governor’s office and local authorities, no major works were taken up.
Cracked slabs and unsafe buildings
Built around 1965, the Indira Nagar quarters are now over five decades old. Several concrete slabs have peeled off and water seeps through roofs during rains. Originally constructed on 32-square-yard plots, most units were later expanded vertically to G+2 floors, raising fears of structural instability.
Residents recall that the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had laid the foundation stone for the colony in 1965. With 18 blocks and 324 houses, the colony once followed proper layouts, but ageing infrastructure and unregulated extensions have taken a toll.
Overflowing drains and contaminated water
The drainage system, built as per old standards, is now in a state of collapse. Drains overflow throughout the year, particularly near Sattayya’s shop, making access difficult. Several manholes are damaged and filled with sewage, posing a hazard to pedestrians.
Residents allege that sewage often mixes with drinking water pipelines, contaminating the supply. They said replacing the entire pipeline network is the only permanent solution.
Encroachments choke colony roads
Roads that were originally wide enough for two vehicles are now narrowed by illegal extensions and encroachments. Residents have erected fences, planted trees, parked vehicles and stored goods in front of houses, leaving little space for movement.
During emergencies, ambulances find it difficult to enter. Garbage collection autos are unable to navigate the lanes, forcing residents to dump waste in open areas.
Locals urge the Governor to intervene again and ensure basic civic amenities and cleanliness awareness campaigns in the colony.
