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Caught in a web of traffic jams, pollution

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The New Indian Express 13.11.2009

Caught in a web of traffic jams, pollution


The heavily-crowded Kukatpally village area needs a foot overbridge
IT is a nightmare for commuters passing through Kukatpally on any evening with traffic jams being a daily affair.

The reckless attitude of private bus operators who stop just about anywhere near the Kukatpally bus stop affects flow of traffic. Lack of alternative routes and unscientific junctions adds to the traffic woes.

The Kukatpally-Patancheru corridor, a National Highway, is considered one of the most accident-prone zones. Though Cyberabad police have suggested

Foot Overbridges (FOB) at various locations under Kukatpally municipal circle, locals allege that the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has been sitting on the proposal ever since a scam broke out.

The company, which was awarded the FOB contract, belongs to Sarasa Devi, who was an accused in the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan scam.

“With several colleges and commercial establishments at Kukatpally, the need for an FOB is intense as there is constant movement of heavy vehicles,” A Rama Krishna, a resident of Pragathi Nagar told Expresso.

Apart from traffic related issues, water and sewerage problems plague the localities in the circle.

Some pockets of Kukatpally circle are still grappling to get proper drinking water. Many residents in Hasmathpet under Old Bowenpally, Nizampet, Indira Nagar Basti and other localities do not have water connections.

“Nizampet is considered an upmarket area but many families are forced to buy drinking water on a daily basis due to lack of water connections. The residents would be greatly relieved if they are given water connections and proper roads as water logging is a regular feature here,” K Subba Rao, a resident of Nizampet said.

The Hasmathpet reservoir which was started many years ago is still under construction.

Similar is the case with underground drainage system planned six years back when TDP leader K Vijayarama Rao was the local legislator. The project with a cost of Rs 60 crore was scheduled to be completed in four phases but less than half of the projected work has been completed. Till date, only the first phase covering Kukatpally, Prashant Nagar and Kaja Kunta has been completed.

The serene Amber lake at HMT Hills is not only in a state of neglect but the banks face the threat of being encroached.

“The pollution levels are so high that a drive on the roads makes one feel uneasy,” S Bharat Reddy, a resident of KPHB Colony said.

Another problem locals face is the diversion of chemical effluents by industries into the IDL lake which is subsequently diverted into a nala passing through the localities.

Last Updated on Friday, 13 November 2009 11:16