Hyderabad: Persistent sanitation issues along the stretch from Delhi Public School (DPS), Khajaguda, to Lanco Hills Circle triggered serious concern among residents and daily commuters, with the entire road plagued by unhygienic conditions and a constant foul odour.Residents complain that dog faeces are scattered across footpaths and roads near the open space between DPS and Lanco Hills, which effectively turned into a dumping yard. The problem is aggravated by roadside food stalls, which locals allege dump used paper plates, disposable cups, tissues, and leftover food directly beside the footpath after business hours.They also point out that accumulated waste became a breeding ground for flies and mosquitoes, while attracting stray dogs and cattle. Animal waste, including cattle dung, is frequently seen on both the carriageway and footpaths, making it unsafe for pedestrians.“The situation persisted for over 4 years, with GHMC officials citing jurisdictional issues as the land falls under private ownership. This road became an open garbage dump. Every morning, children going to school are forced to walk past food waste, dog faeces, and rotting garbage. The smell is unbearable, especially during early hours,” said A Upendra, resident of Khajaguda.Residents of Jains Carlton Creek Society, consisting of over 1,600 flats, complain that the garbage often remains unattended for long periods and gets further scattered by wind. That is not all; even the bus stop along the stretch is affected, forcing commuters to wait amid piles of waste and stench.“The unchecked dumping is affecting thousands of residents from at least 6 gated communities who use this road daily. GHMC must take immediate responsibility and resolve the issue, particularly as the civic body recently carried out extensive sanitation drives across the city. This stretch must be taken up on priority. Jurisdictional excuses cannot justify 4 years of neglect,” said Ravi Shankar, President, Federation of Gated Communities, Cyberabad.According to GHMC officials, the primary challenge in clearing the garbage is that the land where most of the waste is being dumped is privately owned. “We cannot enter private property without due permission, as it could lead to legal disputes. However, garbage dumped on footpaths and roadsides is being cleared on a regular basis,” said an official from the sanitation wing, Serilingampall zone, GHMC.
