The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Guntur News : Corporator blames it on graft

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jan 09, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Guntur

Corporator blames it on graft

By Our Staff Reporter

Challa Aruna

GUNTUR, JAN. 8. The first-time Corporator, Challa Aruna, had the satisfaction of bringing about a drastic change in the profile of Sthambalagaruvu, where people dared not tread. The identified slums Toofan Nagar, Gang Colony, and some of the newly developed colonies like Sai Nagar, LIC Colony, and NGO's Colony have cement roads thanks to the works (valued at Rs. 80 lakhs) grounded in the ward.

Rajiv Gandhi Colony, which did not have electricity, has been fully electrified and Suddala Colony got 10 houses sanctioned under the VAMBAY scheme. A commerce postgraduate, Ms. Aruna, finds rampant corruption in GMC as the sole cause for lack of development.

No contribution

The two-acre dumping yard in the ward has been filled to the brim and a proposal to convert it into a park by covering it with ordinary soil and growing trees met with stiff resistance in the council, as there were no funds. A ward, which has affluent and influential people, does not contribute to the laying of roads in front of their own houses, she laments.

"Thinking of public participation in developing the park is a far fetched idea. If the GMC can protect it from getting encroached, it means a lot," she points out. A veterinary hospital is her dream, but she has learnt that it is not possible to set it up though there are site donors available.

Supported by her husband, a ward Congress committee president, she has learnt of all the loopholes in the system and tries to get maximum benefit for the ward. People find her responsive to their grievances.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Andhra Pradesh

News Update

Stories in this Section

Elite colonies only in name

Corporator blames it on graft