Balaji Nagar: A model colony to be emulated

Visakhapatnam: Located near Siripuram, Balaji Nagar in Visakhapatnam is one of the posh localities and wears the outlook of a model colony.

Falling in the Vizag East Assembly constituency, the colony has very good social infrastructure. Once covered with cashew and mango orchards, the colony has evolved into an affluent colony down the years.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, M. Ramu Naidu, an old-timer, traced the history and said that the area stood in relative isolation till 1990s.

“The outlook of the colony took a drastic turn over the last two decades with high-rise apartments springing up along the colony. It was very rare to see a scooter moving in the colony in those days. Thefts were also high during the 80s given its secluded location,” Mr. Naidu said. He complained about lack of underground drainage in one of the lanes.

The colony is home to Defence Estates office and SBI Administrative Office among other government offices and surrounded by Andhra University.

A. Varun Tej, a student and resident of the colony proudly claimed that there were no civic issues. But the huge and posh colony lacks a park or community centre. M. Manga Raju, a senior resident of the colony, said that the colony is a pleasant one to live due to its proximity to every conceivable amenity, such as supermarkets, schools and hospitals.

“Even though residents of the colony enjoy good amenities, relations among the residents are at an all-time low with the advent of apartment culture and many outsiders entering the colony,” he said.

The colony, presently comprising of 1000 houses, including many high-rise apartments, bears a testimony to the rapid transformation of Vizag.