Kishan blames GHMC and HMWSSB for girl's drowning in manhole

HYDERABAD: Union minister G. Kishan Reddy, who represents Secunderabad in the Lok Sabha, said that lack of coordination between GHMC and the sewerage board department had led to nine-year-old P. Mounika’s drowning in a manhole. As GHMC had failed to clear bills of contractors, maintenance of nalas took a backseat, he told reporters after visiting the spot where the girl drowned at Kalasiguda.

He said that GHMC had ignored the forecast of heavy rain. Digging of roads and leaving them incomplete, damaging drainages and water pipelines had become a regular feature, he said.

Reddy said that the civic body was pushed into a debt-trap as it was keen on fixed deposits in banks. Dharnas by contractors demanding settlement of bills showed the financial position of corporation, he said.

He said ministers were highlighting the construction of huge flyovers even as basic amenities were neglected, he said. The minister wondered why the state government did not allocate budgetary support to the GHMC and water works department when the city generates 80 per cent of state’s revenues.

Reddy said that the state government and GHMC should extend financial aid to the family members of Mounika.