Hyderabad's DPS-Lanco Hills Road Faces Severe Sanitation Crisis for Over Four Years
Residents and daily commuters in Hyderabad's Khajaguda area have expressed serious concern over persistent sanitation issues along the stretch from Delhi Public School (DPS), Khajaguda, to Lanco Hills Circle. The entire road is plagued by unhygienic conditions and a constant foul odor that has become unbearable for the local community.
Multiple Sources of Pollution Aggravate the Situation
Local residents complain that dog faeces are scattered across footpaths and roads near the open space between DPS and Lanco Hills, which has effectively turned into an unofficial dumping yard. The problem is significantly aggravated by roadside food stalls, which locals allege dump used paper plates, disposable cups, tissues, and leftover food directly beside the footpath after business hours.
The accumulated waste has created a perfect breeding ground for flies and mosquitoes while attracting stray dogs and cattle to the area. Animal waste, including cattle dung, is frequently seen on both the carriageway and footpaths, making it particularly unsafe for pedestrians who must navigate these hazardous conditions daily.
Residents Voice Frustration Over Prolonged Neglect
A Upendra, a resident of Khajaguda, explained the severity of the situation: "The situation has persisted for over four years, with GHMC officials citing jurisdictional issues as the land falls under private ownership. This road has effectively become an open garbage dump. Every morning, children going to school are forced to walk past food waste, dog faeces, and rotting garbage. The smell is unbearable, especially during early hours."
Residents of Jains Carlton Creek Society, which consists of over 1,600 flats, report that the garbage often remains unattended for extended periods and gets further scattered by wind. Even the bus stop along the stretch is affected, forcing commuters to wait amid piles of waste and overwhelming stench.
Community Leaders Demand Immediate Action
Ravi Shankar, President of the Federation of Gated Communities in Cyberabad, emphasized the widespread impact: "The unchecked dumping is affecting thousands of residents from at least six gated communities who use this road daily. GHMC must take immediate responsibility and resolve the issue, particularly as the civic body recently carried out extensive sanitation drives across the city. This stretch must be taken up on priority. Jurisdictional excuses cannot justify four years of neglect."
GHMC Officials Cite Jurisdictional Challenges
According to GHMC officials, the primary challenge in clearing the garbage stems from the fact that the land where most of the waste is being dumped is privately owned. An official from the sanitation wing of the Serilingampall zone, GHMC, explained: "We cannot enter private property without due permission, as it could lead to legal disputes. However, garbage dumped on footpaths and roadsides is being cleared on a regular basis."
The ongoing sanitation crisis highlights the complex intersection of private property rights and public health responsibilities in urban areas. Despite regular cleaning of public spaces, the core issue of dumping on private land continues to create environmental and health hazards for the entire community.
