HYDERABAD: President Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry (HCSTSI) Saleem Memon has expressed grave concern over the increasing number of open manholes and uncovered sewers across Hyderabad, stating that the issue has gone beyond institutional negligence and has now become a direct threat to human lives.
He said that nearly 60,000 manholes exist across the three talukas of Hyderabad—Latifabad, City, and Qasimabad, many of which remain without covers. Major and busy roads including Court Road, Station Road, Hali Road, Tower and Cloth Market Road have effectively turned into accident-prone zones due to open sewers.
He said that the situation becomes even more dangerous at night due to inadequate streetlights, making open manholes nearly invisible. He referred to a recent incident on Hali Road involving two doctors, which clearly reflects the severity of the issue. In several areas, shopkeepers and residents have been forced to place wooden planks and debris over open manholes as a warning an act that clearly highlights the failure of civic administration.
He said he has formally written a letter to the Mayor of Hyderabad, urging immediate and emergency measures to cover all open manholes and drains across the city. The letter also includes practical recommendations for a permanent and sustainable solution to this long-standing issue.
He stressed that Union Council Chairmen should be assigned full responsibility for manholes and open drains within their respective areas, along with dedicated funds to carry out this task. He also called for ensuring installation and restoration of street lights in line with the standards of developed cities. Furthermore, he recommended the use of durable plastic or fiber-based manhole covers with no scrap value to permanently eliminate the issue of theft.
Concluding his statement, HCSTSI President said that there is no responsibility greater than protecting human lives, and any further delay in addressing this matter could lead to irreparable consequences. He urged the Mayor of Hyderabad, district administration, and concerned departments to treat this issue as a top priority and take concrete steps to make Hyderabad once again a clean, safe, and proud city.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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