On his maiden visit to the town as Chief Minister in early August, K. Chandrasekhar Rao announced plans to develop it on the lines of cities such as London and New York. Recently, the Chief Minister said he would personally monitor its development.
“It is easy to announce several sops. But, in reality it is a herculean task for the development of Karimnagar town on all fronts,” says N. Srinivas, a consumer activist. The town, which has witnessed considerable growth in recent years, is plagued with several problems. The town has to contend with the lack of drinking water facilities, a proper drainage system, garbage dumping yards, parks, street lights, congested roads and many more.
Srinivas said the people of the town desired basic amenities like proper sanitation, street lights, parks, and wanted the authorities to remove encroachments on the roads, conduct fogging operations to check mosquito menace, etc. After all, the denizens were paying their property taxes, and it was the municipal corporation’s duty to provide all facilities to the residents, he added.
While R. Chandraprabhakar of Mankammathota complains of the lack of a hygienic market place to purchase vegetables, the ambitious model rythu bazaar constructed in the heart of Karimnagar town is lying idle and on the verge of encroachment by land sharks and other traders. On the other hand, vegetable and fruit vendors occupy the roads, hampering smooth movement of traffic.
Underground drainage works undertaken at a cost of Rs.77 crore in 2008, was to be completed in two years, but the work is still on and progressing at snail’s pace. The absence of a proper drainage system had caused extensive damage to the roads and remains a serious health hazard.
Lok Satta Udyama Samstha secretary Prakash Holla said 44 parks were identified in various parts of the town. But, only four – Ujwala Park, Rajiv Park in Mankammathota, Nehru Park in Vavilalapalli, and the Housing Board colony parks are maintained properly. Others have been neglected and are on the verge of being encroached. There seems to be no place for the recreation of senior citizens and children, he complains.
Meanwhile, anti-social elements have made it a practice to drink in the open. “We urge government to maintain proper policing to check open consumption of liquor in residential areas,” Mr. Chandraprabhakar pleads.
Mayor S. Ravinder Singh says the Chief Minister will definitely fulfill the promises made, but it will take some time. Mr. Rao had already sanctioned Rs.46 crore for the development of 14.5 kilometres of R&B roads in the town and assured funds for the completion of the underground drainage, he reveals. Plans were afoot to develop Elgandal Fort, located on the outskirts of the town, as a tourist centre. The survey for developing Brindavan Gardens on the shores of the LMD reservoir is on, he maintained. They are also plans to develop the slums and markets, the Mayor says.
