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Without resorting to the tactic of raising their hands to blame Government for their predicaments, the residents of Gandhi Nagar Colony, Puthuppariyaram have demonstrated how easily the same hands can be used with initiative and enthusiasm to get things done.

Their initiatives include own effort at providing street light in the colony, carrying out additional road work with the available fund, laying their own drinking water pipeline etc.

After its formation in 1991, the residents felt the need for street lights in 1993.  But the hurdles like Panchayat having to enter into an agreement with KSEB, the deposit of Rs.18 per bulb per month, lack of funds etc dimmed their hopes to some extent.  But the residents soon came up with the idea of using the domestic supply to feed the street lamps.  With the Association providing necessary wire and 20 bulbs, the prospects of street lighting soon brightened.  Today the colony has 5 bulbs, 3 sodium vapour lamps and a tube light of the Panchayat beside the 20 bulbs of the residents.  Even for the Panchayat lights, the colony had footed the beneficiaries’ contribution.

In 1999, it was the turn of the Kerala Water Authority to quote rules to deny them water connection.  The colony responded by spending Rs.5 lakhs to lay 850m pipeline.  Later they obtained special sanction from Government for bringing water to the colony.

Carrying out construction of 550m of road with the funds allotted for 450m of road was another sterling effort by the residents’ association.

In 1997, the distributors of milk demanded additional 25 paise per packet for distributing in the colony.  The residents responded by starting an agency of their own and appointing a person to do the distribution.

The present office bearers of the Association include K.Somasundaran, President and Aravindan, Secreatary.

A beneficiary-contributed street light

Courtesy: Mathrubhumi, June 5, 2004

Contributed by: Administrator

"Catch the bear before you sell its skin."