In the city’s center and northern regions, sewage overflow has become a persistent issue. Some residents claimed that they are suffering as a result of the absence of integrated drainage networks in various areas. Furthermore, no long-term remedy has been offered despite bringing up the concerns with the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB).

Residents said that waterlogging has occurred in a number of locations, including Padmarao Nagar, Gandhi Nagar, Nampally, Red Hills, Neredmet, RK Puram, and Malkajgiri, as a result of recent, sporadic rainfall. These areas continue to use an antiquated subterranean drainage system with tubes that were installed decades ago and range in length from eight inches to a maximum of one foot. The substantial rise in dwellings and population has made it impossible for the current drainage infrastructure to manage sewage discharges.

“Recently, even with a small downpour, our entire lanes became waterlogged because the pipelines are decades old,” said Suresh, a resident of Padmarao Nagar, expressing anger. Our demands to install additional pipes have been ignored by the Hyderabad Water Board despite our repeated pleas.

Neredmet homeowner Robin Zaccheus expressed his worries, saying, “We have problems with sewage overflow every other week. Every time we file a complaint, they just provide a short-term remedy rather than a long-term one. The majority of the pipes in Malkajgiri are quite old and have not been repaired or replaced, and the Strategic Nala Development Programme has been in the works for many years. We have serious sewage issues, particularly during the monsoon, and the officials say that work would start after the rains, but nothing ever gets done.”

“These problems have become never-ending,” said Syed Khaled, secretary of the United Federation of Residents Welfare Association, who voiced concern over the persistent sewage overflow issues. Locals have complained to the authorities and urged them to take the problem seriously, but nothing has been done about it. The HMWSSB has started a 90-day campaign, and we’re hoping they’ll come up with a tangible answer and include the Residential Welfare Association in the process.”