Heavy traffic, open dumping and haphazard parking main concerns for Sanathnagar

Hyderabad: Residents of the Sanathnagar Assembly constituency are a happy lot with the developmental works undertaken over the past few years, but specific issues, especially traffic congestion, illegal parking and unruly commuting in congested areas, continue to make life difficult.

While there was a general consensus that civic amenities — drinking water, roads and streetlights — improved over the years, voters voiced safety concerns due to the traffic situation. The residential area of Balkampet usually witnesses heavy traffic on a regular basis from visitors to the Yellamma Pochamma temple, especially on Sundays and Tuesdays.

P. Ashok, a flower vendor, said that traffic issues worsen as one approaches the temple and called for the same to be addressed on priority.

B. Venkatesh, a shop owner, said that a flyover near the temple would ease traffic congestion.

Shopkeepers in the constituency also demanded better parking places and traffic management at markets, which are the busiest spots in the area.

Md. Irshad, a fruit vendor in Ameerpet, said, “People park their vehicles haphazardly and we witness traffic jams throughout the day. Allotting parking spaces for shoppers will make our lives easier.”

Open dumping and water stagnation remained a cause for concern in a few pockets.

R. Usha, a resident of SRD Colony, said that the public continues to litter on roads, leading to a pile-up of garbage and subsequently, facilitating mosquito breeding.

Overflowing drainage and sewage issues and long pending concerns over high-tension electrical lines passing through residential areas, which cause power fluctuations and short circuits, remain to be addressed.

B. Anthony, a resident of Tulasi Nagar, said, “Drainage and drinking water is a long-pending issue in my locality and our complaints have remained unaddressed. We hope that the problem gets fixed in this period of elections.”

Besides the congestion issue, locals said that conditions of roads had improved and new roads laid recently facilitated smooth commutes.

Listing other well-established facilities, residents said the drinking water supply was regular.

V. Rammohan, a resident, said, “All colonies have got CC roads and proper underground drainage system. Community halls and parks are also well-maintained. In addition, the majority of the residents have received government benefits.”

Ravi Kiran, a resident of Srinagar Colony, said that two crematoriums in the area were well maintained and locals were satisfied with the facilities.