Hyderabad: It was a usual Sunday morning. The traffic along the Gough Road near the NSG Training Centre was less than normal. But, what was unusual was a group of around 10-15 people holding shovels and bins working on the otherwise busy Gough Road to clear up the mess left in the wake of the torrential rains in October.
Call it civic sense or wiser counsel, the frustrated residents of Sainikpuri, Neredmet and Malkajgiri began clearing the debris, and even an electric pole, that was causing traffic discomfort.
The heavy downpour and strong winds in October had knocked down trees and snapped power lines at Yapral, Alwal, AOC, Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills. Nearly 20 trees were uprooted.
“We waited patiently for the civic authorities to clear the mess, which has accumulated over two months. The uprooted trees and shrubs caused traffic snarls. The civic authorities failed to clear the debris despite repeated complaints," rued Ms Deepa Shailender, a resident of Sainikpuri, who took part in the clean-up.
On seeing the residents working hard to clear the debris, a few fruit-sellers in the area lent a helping hand to clear the uprooted trees and other green waste. "People have stopped buying fruits from us because the uprooted trees are blocking the road," said Mr Shiva, a fruit seller.
Mr S. Chandrasekhar, a member of Open Secunderabad Cantonment All Roads (OSCAR), said it’s the onerous responsibility of the civic body to ensure that the debris is cleared from the road. "The civic officials are aware that the debris has been lying here for months but have turned a blind eye. Why have the officials not cleared the debris," he asked.
