Chennai: “Why expect the government or corporation officials to avail basic civic facilities when you are surrounded by dutiful residents?” asks Bhaskaran, president of Lakshmi Nagar Extension Residential Welfare Association.
Formed in 1980, the association that has nearly 650 members takes responsibility for the development of their locality. Right from setting up a library, to installing CCTVs, to demanding and succeeding in getting a metro station, to launching a green drive, this association is definitely a boon for the locals.
In conversation with News Today, Bhaskaran shares the achievements of his association and its future plans.
HOW IT STARTED
“In 1980, a group of people had bought land in this area and later found that the documents were forged and the lands were unapproved. They decided to take up this issue legally and formed an association and also succeeded in getting approval for their land. In 1989, I became the secretary. At that time, we worked against several encroachments in the area. Then we got a proper association building and started holding regular meetings. Here, we discuss all our problems.”
MARKING 25 YEARS
The association held several remarkable activities during its Silver Jubilee celebrations. “We celebrated by building an arch in our area. Now, it serves as one of the main landmarks in the locality. Also, to encourage people to read, a new library was built. It can accommodate 50 persons at a time and we also furnished the library on our own. It has over 250 members now and lends books for Rs 1 a week,” narrates the president.
ENCOURAGING TALENTS
“We conduct annual day and sports day for children in the locality. Based on students’ merits, cash awards are also given to them. Dance, music and drawing competitions are held to encourage the kids to excel in their respective talents.”
GREEN INITIATIVE
Bhaskaran says, “For the last 10 years, we have been following the door-to-door system of collecting garbage, which is segregated and disposed off properly. We also got tree guards from Lions Club for our saplings. Currently, we are taking care of 110 trees in the area. Plans are on to plant more saplings.”
NO MORE CRIME
He says that nearly 60 cameras at a cost of Rs 15 lakh have been installed in their area, and because of that the crime rate has come down.
METRO MATTERS
“CMRL is planning to construct metro stations in our area. Initially, it was said that stations would be built at Valasaravakkam and Karambakkam. However, we wanted a station at Lakshmi Nagar also. So we relentlessly fought for it and got approval,” Bhaskaran beams proudly.
The association can be reached at 97907 43359