In recent times, local Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs) have evolved to being bridges between government officials and common people, when it comes to resolving problems in their respective neighbourhoods.
However, running an RWA is not an easy task; it requires time, patience and most importantly, consistency. Among them, Royal Flats Residents’ Welfare Association that has resumed functioning after a break, has gained the support of many, with its slew of activities.
V Mohammed Ali Maraicar, its secretary, speaks to ‘News Today‘. “The association came into being in 2005, got registered in 2010 and has been working for the benefit of residents in fixing civic issues since then,” he begins.
The team turned popular for finding a solution to the problem of overflowing overhead tanks in apartments, it is said.
“The water reached the ground floor and created fear among residents, as it led to earthing of electric cables in all the flats,” he recalls.
A retired Neyveli Lignite Corporation employee, Maraicar saw to it that the issue was fixed by providing individual water storage tanks. Apart from this, he also made representations to government officials in the Municipality and State levels – to fix the open drainage that collects water from septic tanks in homes.
“I wanted immediate action on this, as I was alarmed by the spike in fever cases,” he says. Speaking on the new facilities, he states, “We have set up a reading room to encourage people to read dailies and books, an ‘eight’ pathway for walking purposes and twice a week yoga sessions too are being conducted. We also have plans to set up a terrace garden within our premises.”
On the green move, he adds, “Under the guidance of agriculturist Dr Sudhagar, we unanimously decided to have native and organic plant varieties. Specifically, amid the growing concern for breathing fresh air, he insisted us in planting species that provide oxygen.”
Further, the members are also in the process of acquiring sports materials from the State, to promote physical fitness among children and adults, it is learnt.
Maraicar can be reached at 9444637469.