Visakhapatnam: Located near the CBM Compound, the Amar Nagar Colony made a leap forward over the years from its virtual non-existence a few decades ago.
Housing both the affluent as well as the underprivileged, the residents of the colony remain charged with positive energy. The 30-year-old colony had seen very little in terms of development, compared to other areas and suffers from a slew of civic issues.
Sanitation is the biggest issue of the colony with garbage littered across the area. The decayed drainage system here also needs the attention of the authorities.
The Ekasila Apartments, which was synonymous with the Colony, stands tall as a witness of the past. With the changing dynamics of the city, many schools and colleges set their shops within the vicinity. The Vijaya Ganapathi temple and the GVMC Balyam Centre at the entrance greet the visitors warmly.
The area, which falls into the 15th ward of the city, has recently thrust into limelight in the last decade given its proximity to the core city.
Mamidi Varalu, Ward Congress president, explained how the construction of the colony was initiated in the 1980s during the regime of former Mayor of the city, Rajana Ramani.
“The colony had seen it all - from virtual non-existence to high-rise apartments. Initially, we had struggled a lot to get infrastructure to the colony. Things have improved a lot compared to the earlier days. Residents of the colony maintain close-knit relations,” Ms Varalu added.
The Youth Association of the colony is involved in a variety of activities and takes the civic issues of the colony to the attention of the concerned authorities.
B. Poliraju, a youth of the colony, complained about inadequate sanitation and drainage problems.
M. Sanyasirao, another resident, explained the colony’s history. “Many residents of the colony were migrated from Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts. They have been enjoying an upswing in fortunes by settling down in the city. The land prices have also increased in the colony, which were once rejected by many,” he added.
