Gangavaram Displaced Families Deserve Immediate Relief, Says Palla Srinivasa Rao
Visakhapatnam, May 30: Raising a series of pressing civic and welfare concerns affecting the Gajuwaka constituency, TDP State President and Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao urged the district administration to expedite corrective measures on long-pending housing, pension, and rehabilitation issues during the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting held at the Collectorate on Friday.
The meeting, chaired by Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat and attended by the District Collector, senior officials from various departments, and public representatives, served as a platform for a detailed review of developmental and welfare initiatives across the district.
Call for Review of Vacant Housing Units
Mr. Srinivasa Rao expressed concern over the continued non-occupation of several houses allotted under the TIDCO and Rajiv Gruhakalpa housing schemes. He noted that despite allocations having been made nearly two decades ago in some cases, a significant number of beneficiaries had yet to take possession or begin residing in the units.
According to him, prolonged vacancy of these houses has led to unintended social consequences, with several premises allegedly becoming vulnerable to anti-social activities, including substance abuse and other unlawful practices. Such developments, he observed, were adversely affecting families residing in the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Emphasising the need for a comprehensive review, he urged the authorities to identify cases where beneficiaries had failed to utilise the allotted houses for an extended period and, where warranted, cancel such allotments and reassign the units to genuinely eligible poor families awaiting housing assistance.
Mr. Srinivasa Rao remarked that the issue had been raised on multiple occasions in the past but had not witnessed adequate progress. He said the District Collector responded positively and assured that appropriate action would be initiated after a detailed examination of the matter.
Faster Processing of Pension Applications Sought
The MLA also drew attention to delays in the sanctioning of pensions for newly eligible widows and persons with disabilities in the Gajuwaka constituency. Stressing that social security benefits must reach deserving beneficiaries without undue delay, he requested the Project Director of DRDA and concerned officials to expedite scrutiny and approval of pending applications.
Immediate Relief for Gangavaram Displaced Families
Highlighting the longstanding concerns of families displaced by the Gangavaram Port project, particularly those from Gangavaram and Dibbapalem villages, Mr. Srinivasa Rao called for the early release of pending livelihood assistance and other financial benefits due to them.
He urged officials to accelerate the disbursement process, including the ₹1 lakh subsistence assistance promised to eligible displaced families, and ensure that pending rehabilitation commitments were honoured without further delay.
The District Collector, he said, acknowledged the concerns and assured that pending cases would be reviewed and resolved on priority.
Commitment to Resolving Public Grievances
Reiterating his commitment to addressing constituency issues through every available administrative forum, Mr. Srinivasa Rao said sustained coordination with the government machinery would continue to ensure that welfare benefits reach all eligible citizens and that longstanding public grievances receive durable solutions.
He emphasised that effective governance must ultimately be measured by its ability to respond to the needs of vulnerable sections and deliver timely relief where it is most needed.
Several legislators from Visakhapatnam district, district officials, and representatives of various departments were present at the meeting.