Heavy rains leave electric wires uprooted, spell trouble

HYDERABAD: With the city experiencing unseasonal rains and thunderstorms, unprotected live electric wires hanging from power poles in streets and roads, particularly in some parts of the city, pose a major hazard to residents. Even after a morning walker and an employee of English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) was electrocuted while on a morning walk at the GHMC park in Padmaraonagar after coming into contact with a high-tension wire that had fallen on the walking track, the officials concerned appear to be apathetic and indifferent to the issue.

Low-hanging wires were everywhere, especially on the Raj Bhavan Road and in the Moosarambagh area. “A morning walker had lost his life due to electrocution due to negligence of officials. We are worried about venturing out, especially when it rains. Our apartment secretary had spoken to the officials who responded positively,” said Shreya Palukuri, a resident. Officials from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) could not be reached, but those from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) and the Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TSSPDCL) claimed to have already received complaints and were working to find prompt, long-lasting solutions to the issue. "The problem has already been identified in several locations throughout the city, and we will address them in a phased
manner,” stated a TSSPDCL official.

Further, three days of unseasonal rain devastated roads, sewers, and infrastructure in various parts of the city. The damage has worried commuters and residents, with many making desperate attempts to contact authorities in order for them to be repaired as soon as possible.

Monika Bajaj, a resident of Kukatpally, lamented that sewage debris had long been an issue in the area, and that the rains had just exacerbated the situation. "Over the previous three days, the main reason for traffic jams in the area has been waterlogging. We contacted the zonal commissioner and were assured of help, but nothing has happened since the complaint was filed," she added .

"Cars passed by, splashing water on schoolchildren and an elderly beggar. The rain has stopped and the area is dry, but the problem remains and will most likely persist another couple of days," "said Haricharan Goud, a motorist.

Vidhanand Babu, a resident of Chikkadpally who has been dealing with waterlogging for a long time, stated that "these troubles come at an opportune time as the summer will hopefully provide the officials the time needed to address them before the monsoon sets in."