Visakhapatnam: Nestled near Sivaji Park, the State Bank Colony (SBC) in Peda Waltair is one of the green residential locations in Visakhapatnam.
This quiet neighbourhood has become a model for others to emulate. Amid a rapidly emerging concrete jungle in the city, with little lung space left, SBC still retains the independent house culture with verdant surroundings.
Construction was initiated On three acres in 1974 under the name of State Bank Building Society and initially, the colony had 50 independent single-floor houses for SBI employees.
With the passage of time, the colony has also extended its horizons and presently, one can see many multi-storied buildings across the colony.
Proximity to all social infrastructure, superior civic amenities and large green areas makes the colony a favourite among netizens. Efforts of the residents’ welfare association in maintaining greenery and cleanliness are palpable.
S. V. Ratnam, president, Residents’ Welfare Association, and a retired SBI manager, reminisced the past and said, “In the initial days, the neighbouring Sivaji Park was a dumping yard and water used to seep into our colony. When we and the residents of MVP Colony approached the court against the dumping yard, court gave judgement in our favour.” He expressed great satisfaction over the amenities in the colony.
The welfare association conducts various events, corresponding with the festivals, including Ganesh Chaturthi and Dasami. Morning and evening walkers go to the park in the colony for exercise park in the colony, which also boasts of Saibaba and Ganesh idols.
K. Parthasarathy of the colony remembered how the then Commissioner Srilakshmi, who was accused of showing undue haste and interest in issuing mining leases to the Obulapuram Mining Corporation, helped in shifting the dumping yard from the vicinity. “At one time, we even thought of naming the colony after the IAS officer,” he added
