Overflowing nalas worry residents for 15 years

Nacharam: In a major case of civic negligence, people here are living in a continued state of stink for the past 15 years emitted by the open drains. What’s more? The authorities seem to be “uninformed” about the situation, despite the residents’ claim that they submitted several complaints regarding the matter.

Speaking to CityLife, Narayana, an auto driver, who resides here said, “The condition of the roads is horrible especially during the rainy season. All the water from the drains overflows on the road. We have no other option, but to walk on the dirty water.”

Mohan Babu, a private sector employee added, “These waters have become the breeding ground of mosquitoes and flies. Diseases like cholera are spreading every other day and viral infection among children and other residents is common.”

Owing to the open state of the drains, passers-by and other locals tend to throw garbage into it, thereby clogging the nalas even more. Geetanjali, a homemaker lamented, “People tend to dump garbage in these open nalas. There is nobody to hold these people responsible. We tried complaining to GHMC officials, but they keep saying the work of cleaning the nalas does not belong to them or it does not fall under their jurisdiction.”

“We do not know whom to talk to about these problems,” she cried.

Residents also opined that the terrible condition of the roads in the area is because of the open drains.

Prem Reddy, a private sector employee said, “We hardly have anybody coming to our place who can solve this problem.”

When contacted, in-charge of GHMC Sanitation Department, Kapra branch, Dr Manjula asked this reporter to send the address and details of the area where the problem persists. “I will either send my team or go myself to inspect the area tomorrow,” she promised and said, “I will sort out the problem.”