City roads within the GHMC (Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation) limits are in a dire state, with numerous potholes making commuting hazardous for both pedestrians and vehicle riders. These potholes, formed as early as August during the monsoon season, remain unattended, causing immense difficulty to daily commuters. The negligence in addressing these road issues is compounded by the absence of new road development, leading to growing frustration among residents and travelers alike.
One of the key contributors to the deterioration of city roads is the frequent digging by contractors for the installation of electric poles, water pipelines, and drainage systems. However, the problem lies in the failure of these contractors to properly close the ditches once their work is completed. As a result, roads remain damaged, further adding to the chaotic road conditions across the city.
Out of the 9,013 kilometers of city roads, approximately 1,000 kilometers have been severely damaged, with no significant efforts to repair them. Despite the growing concerns, officials seem to be turning a blind eye to the situation, leaving many roads in desperate need of urgent attention. According to the Indian Road Congress rules, black-top roads should last at least six years, while CC (cement concrete) roads should remain durable for up to 10 years. However, roads in Hyderabad are requiring repairs within just a few months of their development.
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The issue has reached the attention of local leaders, with Karwan MLA Kauser Mohiuddin submitting a memorandum on December 11 to the GHMC zonal commissioner, urging immediate repairs to the potholes in his constituency. Despite similar appeals from MLAs of other constituencies, the civic body has failed to provide an adequate response, leaving the road conditions largely unchanged.
Furthermore, the process of digging roads for infrastructure work demands contractors to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the GHMC. It is the contractor’s responsibility to restore the road after completing their work, and if they fail to do so, the civic body has the authority to withhold payment.
However, some contractors are bypassing this protocol, digging roads without permission, often at night, and leaving them unattended. This has led to frequent traffic jams, and in some instances, road accidents due to poor road conditions and sudden obstructions.
In a move that further compounds the issue, the GHMC has been developing white-top roads in certain areas, which are supposed to remain undisturbed for at least five years. However, even these roads are being dug up, undermining the quality and longevity of the infrastructure.
The neglect of road maintenance and the lack of accountability for contractors are creating a dangerous environment for the city’s residents. Urgent action is needed to repair the damaged roads, ensure proper procedures for digging and restoring roads, and improve overall road infrastructure to prevent further accidents and inconvenience for commuters.
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