I-Town on the brink of danger

Any street, Sivalayam Street, Kandula Street, Srinu Hotel Street, Samarangam Chowk, Peddibhotla Street, Ramgopal Street, Apparao Street, Challamraju Street in I-Town, can be termed narrow as its width ranges from 4 feet to 9 feet.

All these streets stock goods like chemicals, paints, coir, and firecrackers etc., which are easily inflammable. If any mishap occurs, the chance of it turning into a tragedy is very high. However, the traders here are willing to face the danger, for various reasons.

Sikhakolli Seshendra Kumar of Picchayya Setti and Co. says, “My grandfather started his business over seven decades ago. We have seen some accidents in this area. We pray that there is no damage to people or property.”

P. Sainath of Paruchuri Traders says, “We are aware of the dangers, but we have to go on. We cannot shift our businesses somewhere else.”A minor fire incident that occurred recently in the locality should have been a wake-up call, since the fire engine was forced to stop almost a half-a-km away from the spot. However, the authorities seemingly haven’t noticed this wake-up call.

District fire officer V. Srinivas said, “The G+1 category buildings up to 15 meter height come under the jurisdiction of the VMC. We have no authority to initiate action against them.”

Vijayawada mayor Koneru Sridhar said, “If there is a problem with the narrow roads and passages, the merchants or corporators can demand that they be widened. Till now, no one has complained.”

A city planning officer, requesting anonymity, said, “We cannot just go there and start widening the road. They put pressure on officials from the ministerial-level not to touch the buildings. They don’t realise the danger”