VIJAYAWADA: The old corporation quarters are ruined and have become a problem to locals. Locals are afraid of the quarters as they have become dens for anti-social elements. These quarters are located in the heart of the city at Series Raju’s Street, Ramalingeswara Nagar, 13th division of Vijayawada municipal corporation limits. These quarters are located in one of the posh areas of the city and are opposite minister Kollu Ravindra’s house. The corporation quarters were built long ago. Some medical officers lived there for years. Later, it was abandoned as it started decaying. From then on, the ruined quarters are filled with litter and weeds and have become a small forest. The ruined buildings look like ghost bungalows and has become a den of drinkers.
Locals allege that few anti-social elements are running a brothel in the night which has forced residents to stay indoors. Marriage halls and hotels situated near these quarters are using this as a dumping yard. Municipal workers are also using these quarters for consuming liquor in the morning. There was a proposal to build an education office or a shopping complex here when the Congress was in power. Due to local politics, that has not materialised. One of the retired municipal officers said that the site is worth crores and has been ignored due to politics.
“It has become impossible for us to stay here as we are unable to take the odour and many poisonous reptiles cross over and enter our residence,” said Kanumiri Annapurna, who lives in the adjacent building. “We have complained several times to the authorities, before complaining to MLA Gadde Rammohan. For a few days now, the dumping has been shifted to the second old building,” she added. “We have brought this to the notice of the municipality several times and they have promised to clear the ruined building and develop it, but it has not been done yet. I will once again talk to the municipal commissioner,” said Chennupati Gandhi, corporator, of the division. It will help earn the corporation income if developed,” he added.
