From being a deserted locality, Pedagantyada, popularly known as a rehabilitation colony, now houses more than 50,000 residents. Of which, 50 per cent are employees of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant who were rehabilitated by the then State government during land acquisition for construction of the plant.
Besides employees of the VSP, a number of people from surrounding villages have moved to the neighbourhood and made the place their permanent home. After being listed in gram panchayat and Gajuwaka Municipality, the colony was merged with GVMC after 2005.
Located between Dayal Nagar and BC Road near Gangavaram Port, Pedagantyada is dotted by a row of medical shops, schools, grocery stores and other outlets. Although the signs of development were evident over the years, the residents feel that a lot needs to be done in terms of civic amenities.
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For a person who was born and grown in the area, the colony is yet to witness growth. Former corporator and YSRC leader Tippala Nagi Reddy says, “The colony, since its inception, has seen growth in terms of population. However, improved infrastructure continues to be a distant dream. Water shortage and poor drainage system apart, long-pending proposals like a junior college, a degree college and a 50-bed hospital are yet to take wings in the locality.”
The colony is dominated by middle-class families. Most women say that they lead a hand-to-mouth existence by taking up small-time jobs. “It is the only way where we can support our family and make both ends meet. Unemployment is a serious problem here that needs to be addressed. With the new government taking over the reins of the State post-bifurcation, we only hope the situation changes,” says V. Yerayamma, a resident.