The beauty and the beast of Arilova

Visakhapatnam: Nested in the midst of lush green hills, the beauty of Arilova is marred by the lack of basic amenities and the apathy of the civic officials in bringing changes.
Some of the problems faced by the 10,000 people residing in ward number 1 and 2 of Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) include lack of proper drainage system, street lights, roads, drinking water, individual toilets and safety.
Unclear garbage, street dog and mosquito menace is also rampant in the area, which is close to VIMS, Apollo Hospital and the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) ring road.
According to resident Pydapu Srinu, Arilova was once a hamlet for people below the poverty line. However, real estate activity picked up after the development of the BRTS road, VIMS and Apollo Hospital. However, the basic amenities remained unchanged. "We request the GVMC to take steps to improve the area which requires proper water and sanitation facilities," Srinu said.
K Nagendra, a pan shop proprietor near the graveyard complex, said, "GVMC has set up water kits in our area, but there is no supply of water. The corporation did not provide sanitary dustbins also. This forces us to dump the waste on the roads and in the canals," Nagendra said.
Another resident P Samba, an auto-rickshaw driver, said mosquitoes are high in our area due to the unhygienic conditions. "We request the authorities to daily fog the area and put bleaching powder on roads for relief," he said.
Meanwhile, K Nagamani, a home maker, pointed out that the GVMC primary health centre does not have any special medical treatment facilities for those who suffer from summer strokes. "This apart, the staff at the hospital refer the people to nearby hospitals or private clinics for treatment. As the government hospital, they should have facilities to treat people," Nagamani said.
GVMC commissioner Pravin Kumar said that the corporation will identifying the civic issues of the area. "All civic problems in Arilova will be addressed on a priority basis," Pravin Kumar said.