Ex DGP slams govts over lack of housing

Metro India News | visakhapatnam

Dr J. Purnachandra Rao, former DGP and National Coordinator of AIBSP, on Sunday criticized successive governments for failing to provide basic housing and civic amenities to slum dwellers in Visakhapatnam despite claims of rapid economic growth and urban transformation. Visiting the RH Colony slum near a mosque at PM Palem, Dr Rao interacted with residents and reviewed the living conditions in the settlement. 

He said families residing in the colony for nearly 30 years were yet to receive house-site pattas or permanent housing. He alleged that the Modi government was more focused on data centres, corporate projects and protecting large companies, while governments in Andhra Pradesh had also failed to improve the lives of poor BC, SC, ST and Muslim communities.  

Citing Census 2011 data, Dr Rao claimed that nearly 36 per cent of Andhra Pradesh’s urban population resides in slum settlements, while in Visakhapatnam the proportion is estimated to be around 44 per cent. Referring to countries such as Japan, Singapore and South Korea, he said they had substantially reduced slum habitation through state-supported housing, sanitation, drinking water and healthcare infrastructure.

Dr Rao said RH Colony lacked proper drainage, drinking water, roads, electricity and healthcare facilities, forcing residents to endure severe hardship during the monsoon season. Several families also continue to face problems related to ration cards, Aadhaar and voter enrolment, he added. 

Dr Rao urged the government to ensure distribution of land pattas to slum residents, construction of permanent houses; provision of drinking water, drainage and roads; establishment of a library and community facilities; skill development and employment opportunities for youth; measures to prevent youth from falling prey to alcohol and drug abuse   and official recognition of the slum along with a comprehensive development plan.