Hyderabad, November 18, 2024 — Frustration among residents of Ganganagar Yakupura is at an all-time high as the city’s garbage collection service continues to fail, leaving heaps of waste piling up in front of homes. Despite paying a monthly fee of ₹150 per house, residents are receiving no consistent service from the garbage collectors. Many allege that the workers only come once every four days, and even then, they refuse to take the waste unless residents pay additional "under-the-table" charges.
The issue has worsened over the past few months, especially with ongoing nala (drain) construction work in the area, which has made roads muddy and further complicated waste management. Local residents are now expressing their outrage over the inefficiency of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), with several complaints lodged to the civic body going unanswered.
"We’ve been paying for a service that isn’t being provided," says Qurram Ali, a community coordinator for the area, who has been vocal about the issue on social media. "The garbage man comes just twice a week, collects only a fraction of the waste, and then demands ₹150 per household, claiming that is the official charge. This is happening in front of our eyes, and the GHMC is doing nothing."
The garbage collection service in Ganganagar Yakupura, and several surrounding localities, has been under severe scrutiny as complaints flood in. Residents have posted pictures and videos of large mounds of trash accumulating on the streets, despite the civic body receiving taxes and fees for waste management.
In a post on social media, Qurram Ali further expressed his frustration:
"Absolutely frustrated with GHMC's garbage collection service! The team refuses to collect waste, despite charging ₹150 per house every month. We only get pickups twice a week in Ganganagar Yakupura! GHMC provides salaries & vans, yet this service is failing. Strong action is needed!"
The residents' frustrations are compounded by the alleged irregularities in service:
- Only one garbage truck comes every four days.
- Residents must pay extra charges to get their waste collected.
- The garbage workers demand ₹150 per house, which is not officially communicated or endorsed by GHMC.
According to the residents, these workers—who are employed by private contractors hired by GHMC—have repeatedly refused to provide a consistent service. The irregular pickups are especially problematic during monsoon seasons when waste and debris are more likely to create unsanitary conditions and block drains.
"This is not just an inconvenience; it is a serious health hazard," says one resident, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Garbage sitting out in the open is a breeding ground for diseases. It attracts stray animals, flies, and even rodents. This situation is unacceptable."
Residents of the area are now demanding that GHMC take immediate action to rectify the situation. Many are calling for an investigation into the irregularities in the collection process and for the cancellation of the contract with the current waste collection company, accusing them of exploiting residents and failing to deliver the promised service.
Local leaders, including community coordinator Qurram Ali, are calling on GHMC officials to meet with them and address the ongoing waste management crisis in the area. "We need proper garbage collection, and we need it regularly. It’s time GHMC steps up and holds the contractors accountable," Ali said.
With the city’s population growing and urban spaces becoming more congested, it is essential that the GHMC improves its waste management services, especially in residential neighborhoods where sanitation is crucial. The current failures are not only causing inconvenience but also putting public health at risk.
GHMC has yet to respond to the growing chorus of complaints from residents, and many are questioning how the city's waste management system is being funded if the services are so inadequate.
Residents are left wondering when their complaints will be addressed and when they can expect the city’s civic body to uphold its responsibility to keep the streets clean and sanitary for all.
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