Drain water stagnation woes for KPHB residents

In order to provide relief to residents from stagnant water, storm water drains were to be laid. But the incomplete work has now added to the residents’ growing list of problems.

KPHB (Kukatpally Housing Board) colony, the largest residential colony in Asia, has the biggest set of civic worries. They are not troubled by the absence of facilities but by the additional work which was started but left incomplete. As a precautionary measure the GHMC dug up roads to build storm water drains at Phase 3. However, the work was left half done and this has created new problems. Now the drain water gets mixed with the rain water and gets stagnated. There is no channel for the water to flow out.

“There is no doubt that during the rainy season water would enter our homes. However, this new line which aimed to solve our problems has now created additional trouble. Now the water clogs and there is a pool of stagnant water. Mosquitoes breed in this water and cause diseases,” fumes Krishna V, media professional.

While digging up the storm water drains the GHMC workers by mistake broke the drainage water pipe and the drinking (Manjeera) water pipe. Now not just the drain and rain but the drinking water too is contaminated.

“Our drinking water is black in colour and has a foul smell. The drain water got mixed with drinking water. Nothing can get worse than this. Now we order drinking water. Instead of spending on doctors we are taking precautionary measures,” said Honey Jeeva, resident.

Right next to the water-clogged area is the GHMC play ground where children are at a high risk of danger. “Children come here and play. This new water clogging problem is certainly a threat. Mosquitoes have doubled ever since then,” said G Raju, watchmen of the playground.

The waste collected from underground has also not been cleaned. It’s been lying like that since the last 15 days.

“We have complained to the GHMC but all our complaints fell on deaf ears. Now we are planning to take pictures of the area and go and meet the mayor personally. We have tried every other method but all our efforts were in vain. Now, this is our last resort,” said Raj Reddy, Colony Association, president.

The corporator on the other hand is under the impression that all is well and the storm water drains are functioning normally. “Phase 3 has severe problems as the rain water would enter their home. After 25 years we got a sanction to construct the drains. But this is a new development. I was thinking that the work is completed and the drains are functioning normally,” said the Dandamudi Sobhanadri.

Geetha, a resident fumes, “Half knowledge is no knowledge. These drains have caused un­wanted problems. There are hundreds of families living here. Now we don’t have drinking water and there are mosquitoes, foul smell and garbage. This shows how incompetent our government is.”

Facts about Kukatpally

• Asia’s largest residential colony.
• Has the City’s best educational institutes with some the oldest like JNTU.
• Hosts leading FnB and shopping outlets such as CMR, RS Brothers, Chandana Brothers and Chennai Shopping Mall, Reliance and Brand Factory.

Other such areas in the City with similar problems

• Picket
• Old Bowenpally
• Padmarao Nagar
• Ameerpet
• Krishnagar

Tags: KPHB colony, kukatpally, stagnant water, water drains

Category: City, City News