SCB polls: land ownership, houses in top agenda

Twenty-three slums here have not been notified, thus denying basic civic amenities

As campaign fever peaks, the lure of houses and land ownership has become the moot agenda in the slums of Secunderabad Cantonment.

According to Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) there are 23 slums in its area, home to more than 70,000 people (69,733 as per 2011 census). While many slum dwellers have lived in their neighbourhoods for decades, their slums have not been notified, denying them civic amenities.

Given that most housing in slums is makeshift, and sanitation is a major issue, politicians campaigning hope that striking the housing chord would help gain voter confidence.

Consequently, leaders notably of the ruling TRS party, have made various promises, including construction of 1+1 structures and the promises of land to those living on less than 100 square feet.

“The ruling government is TRS which can deliver on the promises it makes. Pattas are being promised for those who live on 100 square yards or less on State government lands,” said J. Pratap, who is contesting from Ward 1.

That apart, Ministers campaigning for TRS candidates have also promised constructions in slums including, Indiramma Nagar in Ward 2 on Sunday. Such promises are also being made in other wards. While the TDP-BJP is playing up the water scarcity as a key issue, housing problem too is on the agenda. “We are providing assurances for houses and land but we know that it is not possible in every slum. Many slums are on defence lands which cannot be regularised,” pointed out TDP Cantonment MLA G. Sayanna, who is campaigning for the party candidates, including his daughter, G. Nandita.

Congress former MP Sarve Satyanayanana echoed similar views even as he questioned promises being made by the TRS.

“The ownership of many lands is not clearly understood. Many slums are on defence and airport lands. In the absence of title deeds, the State government cannot do anything. In the past, housing was provided in a few slums like Katta Maisama weaker section society but there hardly is any State government land left,” he observed.

While housing was provided in areas like Krisnhanagar and Gandhi Huts next to Jubilee Bus Station under schemes like VAMBAY in the past, delivery has been far from complete.