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Trying to match its name

Photo: S. James

Tranquil A broad street and bungalows dotting the housing colony

Utter “Viswa Shanthi Nagar”, and immediately images of a serene place conjure up. Well yes, serene it is not only with chirping of birds and rustling of leaves but also modern day cacophony interferes too.

Tucked between the West Bank of Naganakulam tank and Meenakshi Nagar, the place is originally termed as the extension area of Meenakshi Nagar, which falls under the Corporation limits.

But residents of this extension area felt the need to have an identity of their own. So, the place was renamed Viswa Shanthi Nagar after one of the landmarks nearby, the Viswa Shanthi Bhavan of Prajapita Brahma Kumaris.

The area, which comes under the Naganakulam Panchayat limit, was formed in the early 90s and has one main street and five streets branching out.

Enthused by the responsibility as president of the Viswa Shanthi Nagar Resident’s Welfare Association, N. Parasuraman, who is also among the early settlers here, says: “I came in 1993. During the same time the Prajapita Brahma Kumaris established their Viswa Shanthi Bhavan here. At that time the then Governor Chenna Reddy inaugurated the place by virtue of which the main street was black-topped.”

Though there are over a 100 houses here, quite a few vacant plots are also strewn around. Given its location near the Naganakulam tank, the ground water table is at an appreciable level.

“We get water at around 30 to 40 feet depth but it is not potable because of the contamination of the tank. Though majority of the houses have their own soak pits to drain sewage water, the panchayat took an unwise decision of constructing open drainage to drain the sewage water into the tank. We have objected to it at different levels but our plea has so far fallen on deaf ears,” rues Mr. Parasuraman, a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police.

A quick stroll across the area makes it look clean mainly because of the arrangements made by the association. A sweeper has been appointed to clean the streets periodically. But sadly, the Naganakulam tank, which earlier was full to the brim and catered to the needs of adjacent residential localities too, today has become a dumping yard. Garbage collected from neighbouring areas is thrown here recklessly.

“Our association has represented the plight to district officials since the unhygienic surroundings pose a grave health hazard for the residents of Viswa Shanthi Nagar. We are awaiting a favourable response,” says Mr. Parasuraman.

Safety is another grave concern of the residents of this locality. Chain snatching and house breaking has become a common feature.

“We have also hired a security guard and despite these incidents people like to stick on due its proximity to the city centre and the general peaceful atmosphere.”

The association also felicitates top ranking students with cash awards. Devoid of entertainment opportunity such as children parks, residents of this area do visit the Viswa Shanthi Bhavan for meditation.

To announce any auspicious event in the colony, the association hoists yellow flag and for any mournful incidence it hoists black flag.

The booming real estate business has also had its impact here. A plot of 436 square feet goes for Rs.1,50,000 to Rs.2,00,000.

Solar powered lamps illuminate the road that leads into the colony. If the garbage dumped in the nearby Naganakulam tank and movement of anti social elements are restricted, Viswa Shanthi Nagar has all the potential to be just the perfect place for people to become permanent residents of the area.

T. SARAVANAN

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