Hyderabad: Rampant encroachments raise people's hackles

Leave alone other GHMC divisions, even the Rajendranagar ward wherein the Dy Commissioner office with all line departments function under the same roof suffers from an array of civic issues in its purview.

It is normal in Rajendranagar to complain about corrupt officials as well as the staff who show impassive attitude towards providing civic amenities and solving their problems and grievances.

This ward No 60 reserved for SC (Women), carries a total of 39,091 voters. Although several parties jumped into the fray every time, the real contest is seen only between TRS and Congress. However, similar to the trend in other divisions, there is a lukewarm response from the 39091 voters as only half of them i.e. 20,508 had cast their votes during the 2016 elections. With 10,542 votes, Korani Srilatha of TRS was declared elected while B Divya of INC pulled 6,544 votes only to secure second position then.

There were only nine candidates in the fray last time but this time the number has reached to 14 with few new faces jumping in the poll battle. The most interesting thing is that three from a single family are trying their luck in the hustling. Besides sitting corporator Korani Srilatha of TRS, her family members Anasuya Korani and Korani Sravani have also filed nominations.

The ward consists of areas like Dhobi Ghat, Kamini Pantha, Bansilal Nagar, Drundavan Colony, Budwel, Green City, Budwel, Backside GHMC, Harijan Basti, Teachers Colony, LBS Colony, Bhagwathguda, Rajendranagar, Gandinagar, Shanthinagar, Dalitha Basthi, Navajyothi Youth Club area, Venkateswara Colony, Upperpally old Village, Yadava Reddy Nagar, Yadava Reddy Nagar, Gandhi Nagar and RTO Office area etc.

Rajendranagar is also home to several important government establishments that includes MRO office, National Institute of Rural development (NIRD), National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM, ICAR), Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University, National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) besides institutions like veterinary, plant, rice research and capacity building resource centres. "Rajendranagar earns a moniker in encroachments over government, endowment land, nalas and even water bodies. GHMC has completely failed to prevent encroachments here. Endowment lands up to 200 acres was encroached. Even the cemetery land opposite to Bapughat was not spared from land sharks. The irony is GHMC itself constructed roads in Musi River area that washed away in recent floods. Traffic in several areas choked due to narrow roads. The road widening proposals, despite approvals have been pending since years," rued Kamelakar Jitender, a social activist.

"Several civic amenities are far to seek in Rajendranagar. Despite having GHMC office in our area we are not privilege to civic amenities like proper roads, water supply, sewerage line, streetlights, garbage collection and medical facilities. We are forced to pay even for getting fresh water through," said Kadayam Mallesh.