Open urination, poor sanitation plague Red Hills residents

Hyderabad: Residents and traders in the historic neighbourhood near Red Hills Ground, Lakdikapul, have raised concerns over persistent open urination and poor sanitation along a busy stretch.

Locals alleged that the area has remained neglected for more than a decade despite repeated complaints to civic authorities.

Abdul Kareem, a grocery shop owner in the locality, said the foul smell and unhygienic conditions were severely affecting daily business activities. “Thousands of people from nearby areas and visitors use this stretch as an open urinal throughout the day. Some even urinate near parked vehicles. We had installed temporary sheets to block access, but they were later removed and never properly restored,” he added.

Another trader, Ramesh Gupta, who runs a tile store nearby, said residents had made several attempts to tackle the issue on their own. “There are public urinals available within a short distance, yet people continue to use this spot. We confronted offenders multiple times and even put up temporary barricades, but nothing has worked permanently. There needs to be stricter enforcement and monitoring,” he said.

Shopkeepers further alleged that garbage trolleys parked along the wall have worsened the situation, leading to foul odour, mosquito breeding, pest infestations, and an unhygienic environment in the area.

According to locals, repeated representations have been made to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), including formal complaints submitted last year, demanding a permanent solution, such as the construction of a dedicated public urinal and improved sanitation measures. However, they claim no concrete action has been taken so far.

Mohammed Faizan, a resident of the locality, said poor sanitation was not only affecting businesses but also posing health risks to residents and visitors. “Garbage trolleys remain stationed in front of shops for long hours, causing an unbearable stench and attracting pests. Customers avoid stopping here, and the situation has become a serious public health concern,” he said.

Residents and traders have now urged GHMC and local authorities to take immediate steps to improve sanitation, install proper public toilet facilities, and ensure regular monitoring to prevent open urination on the busy stretch.