Southern States - Andhra Pradesh-Hyderabad   

Rain here is unwelcome

By J.S.Ifthekhar

HYDERABAD July 14. Flashes of lightening criss-cross the sky. Several pairs of eyes turn heavenward and a cheer goes up. Suddenly the overcast sky opens up. But in the congested low-lying Amannagar area, Asif is none too pleased. His eyes well up and tears mingle freely with rain drops.

It is ironic that people here pray for rain, but at the same time, dread its aftermath. The spectre of choked drains, overflowing nalas and flooded homes haunt them. This sprawling slum is worst hit every time there is a cloudburst. The rainwater simply inundates houses and in the process, causes drains to spill over. Even slight drizzle is enough to turn the dusty lanes into frenzied streams of mud.

The dingy low-lying Amannagar represents the seamier side of the State capital. It was set up by the former legislator and MBT leader, Amanullah Khan. Though this slum was developed with aid from the British Governments Overseas Development Administration, civic problems abound here.

The stamp of neglect can be clearly seen. Slush and grime dot the lanes. Litter and plastic bags eddy around as the wind blows giving the whole place a seedy look. The garbage bins are not exactly overflowing but the waste is found scattered all around. In fact, the refuse can be seen dumped right beside the Bhavani Nagar police station. "The MCH doesn't clear the bins here every day. The local corporator also doesn't bother'', complains Osman, a shopkeeper.

The Bhavani Nagar nala, which runs through the slum, is the bane of Amannagar. The overpowering stench is simply unbearble. The open nala comes in handy for the people to dump all kinds of garbage in it. As a result, its free flow is affected. The nala is also a breeding ground for mosquitos. Complaints of fever, particularly among children, is common here.

The bastis of Rahmatnagar, Amannagar A and B, besides the areas around the Somnath Temple wear a neglected look. The pipeline work going on at a tardy pace here has further added to the people's woes.

However, there is a sliver lining. Complaints of polluted water supply have come down. "The quantity of water supplied is less but it is clean'', says a resident.

(Readers are welcome to write about civic problems in their areas to the City Editor, The Hindu, Begumpet, Hyderabad - 16 or email to hydlife@thehindu.co.in)

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