Once a sparsely populated neighbourhood it has turned into a concrete jungle. Today, it is hard to find a vacant site in Chandanapuri Colony. However, in terms of infrastructure, there is hardly any development in the area. One of the creeping problems in the neighbourhood is water scarcity. The residents say topography and growing apartment culture are to be blamed for the issue. “Owing to the hilly area, the flow of groundwater is uneven. Those living atop get better access to water while the flow gradually slows down when it reaches the ground-level,” says N. Jagannadham, one of the original residents of the colony. A walk down the narrow lanes of the colony unfolds many ugly chapters. Heaps of filth at every corner of the street, choked drains and non-functional streetlights are some of the problems the residents have to deal with.
“Though there were no major incidents of thefts so far, it is better to have functional streetlights as most of the residents are aged people in the colony,” says M. Sunita, homemaker. Navigating the roads is a tough task as the steep curve on the roads in the colony demand extra attention. Also, some of the youngsters have other reasons to add.
“The stray dogs in the colony make our life miserable as they keep chasing us whenever we step out. With poorly lit streetlights, the experience of walking alone has become a nightmare for many commuters,” says Divya, student.
While the open drains are clogged, the garbage maintenance in the area needs better focus.
Despite the existence of a welfare association, the little neighbourhood cuts a sorry face for more than one reason.
