sid_22 Posted October 13, 2010 Report Posted October 13, 2010 [img]http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOIBG/2010/09/15/4/Img/Pc0041100.jpg[/img][img width=650 height=403]http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOIBG/2010/09/15/4/Img/Pc0040800.jpg[/img]Mega infrastructure projects often leave in their wake a trail of displaced families, shattered by the relocation. The Metro Rail project did force families to move, but 82 of them have got a great deal and are now enjoying the foresight of an organization responsive to the social upheaval part of such projects.Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd has pulled off one of the fastest rehabilitation efforts in any infrastructure project in the country. It has not only built new houses but has given possession certificates only to women.The project at Peenya (Jalahalli) doesn’t have a proper name yet, but has offered a new identity and status to displaced families. BMRCL presented twobedroom duplex houses of 7.5 squares to each family and gave them a cheque of Rs 12,500 to relocate to the new colony.[b]THE NEW COLONY[/b]It’s a compact residential colony on 3 acres. The 132 duplex units near Metro’s Peenya depot were completed in a record time of 8 months by the Karnataka Land Army Corporation (KLAC). Interestingly, the front door of every house faces the back door of another house. “This was to keep the common areas free from encroachments,” explains Prabhakar, a BMRC engineer. Metro MD N Sivasailam’s earlier stint with the rural housing board came in handy in implementing many such ideas.The 82 families rehabilitated here were among the 103 at Jaibheema Nagar slum in Malleswaram which was razed recently. Many have been living in the new Peenya houses for over 8 months. Some like A Mahalingam and Anniyamma have managed to bring with them their stray puppy and roadside shop.“I’m happy; couldn’t have asked for anything more in life,’’ an elated C Subbamma told TOI. The 45-year-old is now among the proud women house owners here. She recalled how last year the family of five lived under a leaky roof in one room with no power, water or bathroom. The fear of dengue and chikungunya lay heavy on them. She’s also very relieved: “My son’s wedding is finally arranged. Over four alliances didn’t work out last year only because the girls’ families didn’t like the unhealthy conditions we lived in,’’ she explained.The new house has also made them more responsible. The family also ensured the poles for the wedding pandal in front of the house were supported on mud-filled gunny bags and not on holes in the portico. “These houses are dear to us. We may have not paid any money but it’s given us a new life. Many of us were even here to oversee the construction,’’ explained P Jaipal, 59, president, Jaibheema Nagar Slum Association.His wife Nagamma is relieved she doesn’t have to deal anymore with the daily fights over water and toilets. “Almost everyday, the women would fight over water. Worse, at least eight families had to share one toilet. Here, we have water supply in the house and two toilets in each house.’’ There are two borewells for the colony and each duplex has a 3,500 litre overhead tank and a 1,000 litre sump.[b]‘WE HAVE A HOME FINALLY’[/b]Orphans Sivakumar and Sivaraj, who moved in last, are thrilled to have their own house. “We don’t know what to say. Even our parents couldn’t have bought such a house,’’ said a tearful Sivakumar.[b]NEW HOUSE, MANY CHANGES[/b]The houses seem to have brought in several changes. The one-time illiterates are looking for better education for their children. V Sunder, a footballer, proudly narrates how their children now go to an English-medium school in clean uniforms. “Earlier, we had to send them only to government schools. Some didn’t even go to school,’’ he said.S Surekha, 19, takes part-time English classes for children here. “It’s nice to see them in clean clothes and speak in English. This colony has really changed life for all of us,’’ she said.The Metro depot area coming up nearby also opens up job opportunities for educated youths. Confined indoors for a long time, Vasantha, 22, who is partially deaf and speech impaired, hopes to get a job and is honing her communication skills.Families are investing on motorbikes and furniture to go with their new status and many have bought new TV sets. Some women have their own kitchen gardens too. Another big change is that many alcoholics have reduced their alcohol consumption and some have even quit the habit. “Nearly 75% of men who moved here were once daily drinkers who’d beat their wives. My brother was one of them. They’re slowly changing and it’s a pleasant surprise,’’ Jaipal explained.[b]LESSONS FOR OTHERS[/b]There’s also a small park in the campus for kids to play. The residents also hope to build a small temple for the Karumariyamman idol which they brought from the Malleswaram slum.Recently, BMRC handed over this colony to BBMP. “Once they get the khatas, residents will come under the property tax net. These houses have been built with a provision for extension of up to two more floors,’’ U A Vasanth Rao, BMRC spokesperson, explained.A film on the project will be used to train IAS probationers at Mussoorie on effective urban development. Teams from other cities involved in metro projects have also been visiting the centre. sHa_clap4 sHa_clap4 sHa_clap4
Idly Vishwanatham Posted October 14, 2010 Report Posted October 14, 2010 &F&. &F&. &F&. &F&. &F&. &F&. &F&.
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