Areas like Bowenpally, Sikh Village and Gunrock Enclave prove to be a perfect mix of development and a historical ambience
May 14, 2012: The city of Nizams is known for its rock formations. Unlike areas like Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills which have destroyed these rocks, Secunderabad has preserved these natural formations. There are many such colonies in the cantonment areas of Secunderabad which stands as an evidence to it and preserve the rustic look which the British had developed.
In our campaign ‘Destination Secunderabad’, we have covered four such areas which have evolved over the years and yet have not lost the old British charm.
City old timers and the new generation believe Sikh village is one of the best areas to live in Secunderabad. Located just a few kilometers away from Secunderabad station, the place can be easily accessed. The name ‘Sikh village’ is attributed to the Sikh army men who were part of the Nizam’s troops. However, the fact is that not many Sikh families now reside in the area.
Bowenpally is the neighbouring colony where many upper middle class families reside. The area is divided into many gated colonies and small townships. Hyderabad’s biggest Rythu Bazaar, a government-owned market yard is located in the area.
“Despite so many developments and several new super markets coming up, Rythu Bazaar has its own charm. We get cheap and fresh vegetables here as compared to the supermarkets. Though the traffic congestion has become a regular affair,” says Sri Kamalam V, a marketing executive.
Despite being one of the best markets in the City there is no parking space allotted. “Customers park their vehicles on the main road. They always have a fear of their vehicles getting towed away by the City traffic police. Customers come in a hurry and shop,” laments Mohmmed Khaza, one of the oldest shop owners at Bowenpally market.
Not many people know about the beautiful Hasmathpet Lake in the area which is connected to Alwal Lake. The lake is no less than Tankbund for the residents in the area. The best part is that the lake is one of the few lakes which have still not been encroached. However, over the last decade the pollution levels of the lake have increased and this is giving birth of several other problems.
“We bought an apartment because of it’s lake view but over the years due to the pollution levels many problems have started to arise like foul smell and mosquitoes,” complaints Vivek Roa, media professional.
Buffaloes in the area are a major problem as most often the roads are blocked due to them when they come out for a walk during the peak rush hours in the morning. “All the small problems like bad road and garbage can be solved but one problem that we facing since the last three years is the traffic jam caused by these straying animals. We end up getting late for college almost every day,” says Arjun Vishwanathan, engineering college student.
Apart from these problems areas like Sikh village, Bowenpally and Gunrock are perhaps some of the best areas to reside in Secunderabad.