HyderabadResidents of Godavari Garden, Yaparal are suffering from many civic problems like irregular water supply, broken roads, stray animals, unreliable supply of electricity. Despite repeated complaints to the administration, no proper action has been taken, so the residents are panicked and most of the residents are senior citizens.
Dr SC Bhargava, 84, a retired expert on electromagnetic phenomena from Bhel and founder president of the Godavari Garden Welfare Association, lamented the dwindling population of the colony he has called home since 1974.
“Drinking and drinking water has become so unorganized that we get water only on alternate days and that too under pressure of only one hour,” said Dr. Bhargava. “There is no fixed time and I often wake up early to check when the rain will come. It is impossible to plan our daily needs without prior notice or a proper schedule,” he lamented.
Residents have become dependent on private water tankers that charge Rs 650 for a single tanker. “There are about 50-60 houses in the colony and we are struggling to manage this irregular water supply,” said another resident. Despite several complaints raised with the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB), no redressal has been forthcoming. “The MD of HMWS&SB also responded and raised the issue with the concerned General Manager but no action has been taken so far by the GM,” complained Dr Bhargava. Additionally, the roads in the colony are in a deplorable condition. “During the rainy season, the road conditions are unbearable, so the risk for passengers has increased. It is a shame for a city that wants to become a ‘smart city’ to have such basic infrastructure problems,” he said.
Another problem is the frequent menace of stray animals, including dogs and pigs that roam freely in the neighborhood. Residents say the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) was aware of the problem but failed to take action.
There is also the problem of electricity supply in the sub-metropolitan city. Dr. Bhargava said, ‘When this settlement was built, electricity supply was stable. But with the increasing number of buildings in the area, the entire colony is now dependent on a single transformer which is inadequate for the growing demand. This transformer needs to be replaced or upgraded to meet the needs of all households.
In 2022, despite raising the issue before the Superintendent Engineer, no progress has been made. Dr Bhargava’s daughter Anshu said, ‘It is sad to live in such a situation. My parents have worked hard to make this place livable. They do not deserve such treatment. ” Residents of Godavari Gardens are requesting the authorities to urgently address these issues, restore basic facilities and improve for all.