Sewage and Rainwater Overflow onto Roads as Drainages Get Choked; Residents Take Up Cleaning Work Despite Lack of Official Response
Kumram Bheem Asifabad,Sarandi, July 30:
Continuous heavy rains have disrupted normal life in Sarandi Gram Panchayat of Vankidi Mandal, Komuram Bheem Asifabad district, with overflowing drainage channels causing sewage and rainwater to spill onto roads and enter several low-lying residential areas.
The village’s major drainage channels have become completely clogged with garbage, plastic waste, mud and other debris. With no proper outlet for the accumulated rainwater, several streets have been inundated. In some low-lying areas, water reportedly entered houses, leaving families worried about their safety and belongings.
Several main roads in the village resembled small streams as rainwater mixed with sewage flowed freely. Residents faced severe difficulties in moving around, while schoolchildren, elderly people and farmers struggled to travel. Two-wheeler riders were also at risk of slipping on the waterlogged roads.
Villagers Take Charge
With no immediate response from the authorities, local residents themselves stepped forward to tackle the problem. Youth, elders and other villagers entered the clogged drains with shovels, iron rods and sticks and removed garbage, plastic covers, mud and other obstructions.
Despite the continuing rain, the villagers worked in sewage-filled drains to clear the blockages and restore the flow of water. Their voluntary efforts drew appreciation from many sections of the village.
Recurring Problem Every Monsoon
Residents said the same situation occurs every rainy season and expressed frustration over the lack of permanent measures. They alleged that drainage channels are not properly cleaned before the monsoon, while several drains are too narrow to handle heavy rainfall.
Although the village has been developing, its drainage infrastructure has remained outdated, they said. As a result, even a few hours of heavy rain often lead to widespread waterlogging and sewage overflow.
Health Concerns Rise
Stagnant sewage water has also created an unpleasant smell and raised fears of mosquito-borne and water-related diseases. Residents are particularly concerned about the possible spread of dengue, malaria, chikungunya and viral fevers, especially among children, elderly people and pregnant women.
In some parts of the village, drainage channels do not have protective slabs, creating the risk of children accidentally falling into them. Poor street lighting during the night is reportedly making the situation even more dangerous.
Villagers Demand Permanent Solution
Residents have urged the Gram Panchayat, Mandal authorities and concerned engineering departments to immediately deploy machinery to clear all drainage channels and remove stagnant water from the roads.
They also demanded special sanitation teams to monitor the drainage system regularly throughout the rainy season. In the long term, villagers called for a permanent flood-control plan for Sarandi, construction of new drains where necessary, widening of existing channels and modernization of the village’s wastewater drainage system.
They stressed that temporary measures would not be sufficient and that permanent infrastructure was essential to protect public health, lives and property.
A Lesson for the Authorities
The voluntary efforts of villagers, who themselves entered the drains to remove sewage and restore water flow, have highlighted their strong sense of social responsibility. At the same time, the incident has exposed the urgent need for the authorities to strengthen sanitation management and drainage maintenance in the village.
