A lot has changed over the last 20 years.
In 1990, the small neighbourhood had just a couple of buildings and minimal traffic. The quiet and tranquil surroundings drew people from far flung areas to the colony.
Today, with a number of apartment blocks dotting the locality, more than 1,500 people live in Santhipuram, which was earlier part of Akkayyapalem.
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People prefer to stay here for many reasons.
“Proximity to schools and railway station are the vital factor to stay in this area. ,” says Usha Devi, a 69-year-old resident, who has been staying in the colony for the last two decades.
Located adjacent to the highway near HPCL petrol outlet between Lalitha Nagar and Seethammapeta junction, Santhipuram comprises just seven to eight lanes.
However, what catches the attention is the improper structure of drains and clogged storm water drains that pass through the colony.
“Firstly, these drains are not adequately structured. In addition, they often get clogged as people dump domestic waste in them. This apart, heaps of garbage is strewn on the road,” says V.R. Rao, a retired executive director of BHPV and a resident since 2002.
Despite a number of signboards indicating ‘do not dump waste’, garbage is dumped on the road.
Colony residents say that civic sense is something which should come from within. And it should be a collective effort of both the residents and GVMC. Some of the roads have been dug up and commuters find it hard to pass through them.
According to the residents, Santhipuram Residents’ Welfare Association is not playing an active role in any development activities of the colony. This apart, a park in the locality paints a picture of neglect.
These drains are not adequately structured. In addition, they often get clogged as people dump domestic waste in them.
V.R. Rao
Clogged storm water drains are an eyesore in Santhipuram