The very mention of rain is giving jitters to residents of Osmannagar near Chandrayangutta these days after over 100 houses in the locality submerged rendering them homeless over the last few days.
A fortnight after the swirling waters from a nearby Bhurankhan lake transformed the locality into a lagoon, residents still await for the waters to recede. With authorities turning a deaf ear to their pleas, most of the affected families are still living in their relatives' houses while others have sought shelter elsewhere. Families scampered to safety after water from Bhurankhan lake started gushing into their houses following incessant rain that lashed the city recently. Clothes, cash, electronic goods and other valuables were all damaged in the process, residents said. “It all happened within seconds. After the water reached up to four feet high, my neighbour came out leaving behind valuables and cash in the house,” recalled Md. Munawar, a grocery store owner.
Local politicians, however, alleged that Firangi Nala, which allows excess water from Bhurankhan lake into Ibrahimpatnam lake, was blocked by unidentified persons and this led to the deluge. “We request authorities to take remedial measures in the larger interest of poor families,” said Md. Amjad, Vice-Chairman of APCC Minorities Committee.
He deplored the apathetic attitude of senior officials in rescuing residents. Coupons were given to the affected families to get free 20 kg rice from fair price shops. But each family has to spend Rs.40 for travelling three kilometres distance to reach the shop. Children were also unable to attend schools for the last one week after their books were soaked, he added.
Officials maintained that the locality was submerged after water in the lake reached full tank level. Blaming the local leaders for the fiasco, they said leaders encroached upon the private land abutting the lake and developed it into plots. “How can residents construct houses near a water body,” said Saroornagar mandal Deputy Collector G. Surender Reddy.
