Punjagutta Metro walkway turns into dumping yard and open drinking spot

A narrow pathway located beneath the Punjagutta Metro station in Hyderabad has turned into an open dumping site, public urinal, and informal drinking spot, raising severe hygiene and safety concerns for local residents and commuters. The ongoing issue has left the stretch plagued by an unbearable stench, mosquito infestations, and safety hazards that worsen after dark.

The affected stretch is currently littered with small heaps of dry and wet waste, food leftovers, and empty liquor bottles. Despite repeated cleaning drives conducted by local civic authorities, the accumulation of garbage remains a persistent problem. The resulting stench, coupled with swarms of flies and mosquitoes, has made the walkway highly uncomfortable for those passing through. Many commuters have reported being forced to cover their noses or wear masks to tolerate the smell.

In addition to the garbage, open urination has become a major issue along the pathway throughout the day. Local resident Satya Bhaskarla, who frequently uses the pathway to reach her home, expressed frustration over the situation. Bhaskarla pointed out that people continue to urinate openly along the stretch despite the presence of a public toilet located barely 100 metres away.

As daylight fades, the narrow pathway transitions into an informal drinking spot, creating a hostile environment for pedestrians. Residents have reported that people drinking openly has become a common sight, with empty liquor bottles left scattered across the road.

The lack of basic infrastructure has further aggravated safety fears. Resident Ruthwika Eliminety highlighted that the absence of proper lighting and CCTV cameras makes the stretch feel highly unsafe, particularly for women returning home after dark.

According to the residents, the recurring nature of these issues is due to a lack of regular monitoring by civic authorities. While clean-up efforts have occurred in the past, the lack of sustained oversight has allowed the dumping, urination, and public drinking to continue unchecked.