“Thinking is easy, acting is difficult, and to put one’s thoughts into action is the most difficult thing in the world,” says German writer and politician Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
The residents of Currency Nagar have proved it otherwise and their small initiative is paying rich dividends. Underscoring the need for addressing environmental issues involved in use of plastic carry bags, the residents decided to discourage the use of plastic bags in their colony three years ago.
The initiative gained momentum as one after another resident joined hands. Now, the jute or gunny bags have almost replaced the carry bags though it may take some more time to ban the plastic completely.
Appreciation letter
The elders in the colony emphasised on greenery and sanitation. Currency Nagar won accolades for its efforts in maintaining greenery and sanitation. The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) even presented an appreciation letter to the collective effort.
The residents’ association took many initiatives to place their colony on the city map. Felicitations to the aged who cross 90 years, dhyana and yoga training, health camps are few to mention. It started a centre to train women in tailoring and other professions with a view to providing them financial freedom and income of their own.
“Many batches have passed out and some began their own businesses. The training centre is also helpful in meeting the environmental issues. Stitching of jute bags is also taught,” explains Remala Sesha Chalapati Rao, secretary of the colony welfare association.
The Currency Nagar is one of the fast developing localities in the city though first foundation was laid in 1983. The Colony got its name from Currency Apartments constructed in 1983 by a group of bank employees. Neelisetti Venkataratnam and his associates used to work in Canara Bank located on Bandar Road. As per the RBI guidelines, the currency has to be deposited with designated SBI branch if the cash exceeded permissible limits. The employees, who used to work in the chest, bought a piece of land here and constructed the apartments, recalls Venkateswara Rao, a resident.
The Currency Apartment was close to donka road then. The colony has developed over the years. Now, there are 26 apartments and 800 to 900 houses. Thieves are gaining entry into houses, the association has stepped up vigil in the apartments. “The police have asked us to extend to entire colony. We are working in that direction,” said Chalpathi Rao.
