Why do sewers overflow in Hyderabad? Blankets, bedsheets found inside Madhapur manholes

Hyderabad: Blankets, bedsheets, clothes, and plastic waste were found dumped inside manholes during a desilting drive conducted by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) in Madhapur’s Chander Nayak Thanda area, officials said.

The solid waste had severely choked the main sewer pipeline, leading to repeated sewage overflows on roads in the locality.

Sewer overflow complaints trigger action

Officials from HMWSSB’s Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Division-21 said they had been receiving multiple complaints over the past two months about sewage overflowing in Chander Nayak Thanda and nearby areas in Madhapur.

Residents had raised the issue through social media platforms, the Water Board’s Metro Customer Care helpline, and local public representatives.

Upon inspection, officials identified severe choking in the main sewer pipeline, which caused sewage to flow back and spill onto the roads.

Three-day desilting operation

To resolve the issue, the Madhapur circle team undertook a special desilting drive and worked continuously for three days to clear the blockage.

Using high-pressure jetting machines and telescopic hydraulic grabber equipment, the team removed accumulated silt and waste from the main sewer pipeline and restored the normal flow of sewage.

Officials said desilting drives are regularly conducted across the city to prevent sewer blockages and overflow incidents.

Blankets, plastic, and other waste recovered

During the operation, workers found several unusual items inside the manholes, including blankets, bedsheets, clothes, plastic covers, water bottles, and other solid waste.

Officials said these materials obstruct the flow of sewage and cause severe blockages in the sewer lines. In some instances, even pillows and mattresses were found inside the drainage system.

Such waste accumulation eventually leads to sewage overflowing from manholes onto roads.

Public negligence causing recurring problem

Authorities said that despite repeated awareness campaigns, some residents continue to dump waste into manholes.

Even after silt and debris are cleared during special drives, the problem reappears when people again dispose of solid waste into the sewer system.

Officials warned that strict action would be taken against those found dumping garbage or solid waste into manholes.

Commercial establishments also responsible

The Water Board also pointed out that several hotels, bakeries, food courts, offices, and commercial establishments directly connect their sewer pipelines to the Water Board’s sewer network.

As many buildings do not construct silt chambers, food waste and other solid materials enter the sewer lines and accumulate inside manholes.

This increases pressure on the sewer pipelines and leads to frequent blockages and sewage overflows.

Water Board urges installation of silt chambers

Officials urged commercial establishments and multi-storey residential complexes to construct silt chambers in their premises.

Silt chambers help trap solid waste before it enters the sewer system, allowing only wastewater to flow into the main sewer lines. This can significantly reduce blockages and sewer overflow problems.

Appeal to citizens

The Water Board appealed to residents to act responsibly and avoid dumping garbage, plastic waste, construction debris, or any solid material into manholes.

“Manholes are not garbage bins. Our staff work round the clock to clear blockages and maintain the city’s sanitation system. Public cooperation is essential to keep Hyderabad clean,” officials said.

They urged citizens to play a responsible role in protecting the city’s drainage infrastructure and preventing sewage overflow incidents.