Exposed cracks in 2 bhk housing colonies scare residents

HYDERABAD: Residents of 2BHK Dignity Housing Colony in Muralidhar Bagh, located near Gandhi Bhavan metro station, are raising serious concerns over the quality of construction work and lack of basic amenities. The colony, which houses 120 units, was inaugurated in May 2023 and falls under the Goshamahal Assembly constituency. However, residents claim that substandard materials were used in construction, resulting in cracks in the walls, peeling cement and inadequate infrastructure, including water tanks.

The colony is spread over 0.59 hectares and houses mostly members of the Pardhi community, most of whom are daily wage earners such as fruit sellers and autorickshaw drivers. Despite the promise of “decent living space,” many feel the housing units are incomplete and poorly maintained.

K Anil, one of the residents, pointed out several problems with the construction. “Cracks have appeared in the walls of almost every building. “The doors are either partially or completely damaged and there are leaks in the water pipes,” he explained.

Pointing to an empty space, he added: “A community center and a medical center were supposed to be built, but they are still incomplete and there are carts and garbage scattered around the area. “There are also leaks in the water pipes.”

K Chanda, a housewife who lives in Block C, complained about dampness in the walls. “Even though we only moved here a year ago, there is sealan (dampness) in the walls. When I touch the walls the paint peels off. Even when drilling, the paint peels off,” she said.

Reflecting on her previous living conditions, she added: “We were better off in the basti (slum), where there was peace.” We moved here because [former chief minister] KCR distributed houses.”

An official of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) told TNIE that the construction has been expedited but insisted on quality. “The work has been expedited to meet deadlines before the 2023 general elections, but the homes are just as robust as other 2BHK units. Now the focus should be on maintenance, which like other colonies is the responsibility of the residents’ association,” the official added.

Plagued by water shortages

In addition to construction problems, residents also face water shortages. Although several water tanks were “sanctioned” to the colony, only one was installed.

A resident said: “At least two more water tanks have been approved but not installed. We use the drilled wells that were installed before the double rooms were built. The contractors were also supposed to install another borehole, but even they didn’t do it. We face severe water shortages, especially in summer.”

The current water tank, which has a capacity of 50,000 liters, is often surrounded by stagnant rainwater, resulting in an unhygienic environment, residents complain.

While TNIEDuring his visit, garbage and debris were observed near the tank, with residents alleging that no drainage system was constructed to allow excess water to flow out. “Insects breed in the stagnant water and enter the tank, causing skin problems, health problems and allergies among residents,” said N Deepak, another resident.

50,000 liter tank is enough for residents: GHMC official

When asked about the water tank issue, the GHMC official said that the existing 50,000 liter tank should be sufficient for the residents.

“If necessary, people can use the borewells – one was already there and we have installed another one. It is now up to the residents’ association to maintain hygiene around the water tank,” the official added, stressing that the drainage system was built according to proper standards and the slope of the colony was to prevent water inundation.

“It’s a tight space so people need to make sure it doesn’t become a landfill. Since it is built on a slope, there is no risk of water flooding. Even the pure cement concrete (PCC) was laid properly,” he pointed out.