KURNOOL: The onset of the monsoon season has brought major challenges for the residents, especially in the extension colonies of Kurnool.
Water stagnation has been a frequent problem, making it difficult for locals to move through waterlogged streets. There are 52 divisions, of which 33 fall under the Kurnool assembly segment, 16 under the Panyam assembly segment, and three under the Kodumuru assembly segment. There are a total of 107 slums in the city limits.
The lack of proper drainage systems in many colonies on the outskirts has resulted in rainwater stagnation on the main roads. Even in areas with ponds, the water fails to drain due to inadequate drainage facilities.
Extension colonies are experiencing the worst scenario, with water reaching a depth of one to two feet, obstructing the movement of the residents. The absence of basic infrastructure has become a nightmare for those living in these areas.
People complain that the municipal authorities are more focused on tax collection rather than providing essential amenities and implementing development works. Maintenance efforts are concentrated in the main streets and circles in the city, while the outskirts divisions are neglected.
K Ramulu, a resident of the NGO colony on Nandyal road, alleged that the authorities seemed more interested in collecting taxes rather than focusing on basic amenities and that the extension colonies and lesser-known areas suffered as a result.
Several areas in Kurnool are facing problems from the monsoon showers. The Mahalakshmi Nagar, Seshadri Nagar, FCI stage-1, 2, and 3 colonies, Srisaila Colony, and Udyog Nagar on Nandyal Road were among the worst-hit. Residents here faced the brunt of water stagnation on the roads.
On Dhone Road, areas like Raghavendra Nagar, Shareen Nagar, Ramireddy Nagar, Birlagadda Colony, Madhavi Nagar and the housing board colony have been severely affected by the monsoon with accumulation of rainwater on the roads.
Bellary Road, too, has faced its share of troubles, with Guru Raghavendra Nagar, Geetha Nagar, Gopi Nagar, NTR Colony, Indira Gandhi Nagar, Vasavi Nagar and other areas experiencing waterlogging.
With the onset of every monsoon season, the main road between Kodumuru road and the Malla Reddy Venture becomes a treacherous path for commuters. The heavy rainfall transforms this road into a mud-covered path, posing grave danger to those travelling by it. Many accidents have been reported, with people sustaining fractures and injuries, leading to hospitalizations.
The incessant rains have caused rough terrain and hampered daily life. Areas like Santosh Nagar, Rahman Nagar, Geetha Mukherji Nagar, Syam Nagar, Stantanpuram, and other areas located on Hyderabad Road have also been adversely impacted.
G. Mallikarjunaiah, a trader from Madhavi Nagar on Dhone Road, expressed frustration over the lack of attention from municipal authorities. “The authorities have not been responsive to the problems faced by residents in these areas, especially during the monsoon season,” he alleged.
R. Ashok, a resident of Geetha Nagar on Bellary Road, said stagnated water on the roads has become a recurring problem, making it difficult for people to reach their homes. In many streets and areas within the Panyam assembly segment, soil roads with rough terrain have intensified the problems of the people, he stated.
A senior official from the civic body said they are allocating funds for renovation works and the works would be taken up in some areas after the monsoon season.
