Hyderabad, Oct. 22 -- Bismillah Colony in Shaheennagar, inhabited by working-class families and located within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits, presents a grim picture of civic neglect, with residents struggling to cope without basic infrastructure.

Poor roads, inadequate drainage and a lack of streetlights have made daily life difficult for residents. Dirty water flowing onto roads has compounded their problems, leaving the lanes unhygienic and providing a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Despite living within the city's municipal limits, residents say their colony continues to be deprived of basic civic amenities.

For families who leave home early for work and return late in the evening, navigating the poorly ...