Of neglected promises and mounting encroachment

 

 

 

The residents of New Ganesh Colony in Pratap Nagar are grappling with increasing illegal encroachment and civic apathy, despite raising multiple complaints with every relevant authority in the city. The area, which was promised to be developed into a green gym and a recreational ground, has instead become a hotspot for illegal activities, littering, and public drinking. The land in question belongs to the Ganesh Gruh Nirman Sahakari Sanstha, which had assured residents that the open space would serve the community.

 

However, far from becoming a hub for fitness or play, the ground today stands as a symbol of administrative neglect. Encroachers have begun occupying parts of the land, and unsocial activities are reportedly a daily evening occurrence, raising concerns over safety and hygiene among the residents. Despite escalating the matter through formal complaints to both the Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) and the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), no tangible action has been taken. Even the encroachment squads of these bodies have failed to intervene, residents allege. Disappointed with the lack of local response, citizens took their plea to higher authorities.

 

The matter was raised during the Janta Darbar of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and later reported to the Pratap Nagar Police Station, as well as the Chief Minister’s office in Nagpur, but still, the colony’s appeals remain unanswered. Ironically, while a volleyball tournament under the Khasdaar Mahotsav was held in the adjacent layout recently, the New Ganesh Colony layout, equally deserving, was completely ignored, further fuelling the sense of injustice among residents. “We have knocked on every door, written to every authority, and yet we are met with silence,” said one resident, expressing the growing frustration of the community. “The place meant for children and fitness is being taken over by garbage, alcohol bottles, and illegal structures. How much longer do we have to wait?” With the safety of families at stake and a vision of a cleaner, greener community slipping further away, the residents of New Ganesh Colony continue their struggle, hoping that their voices will eventually be heard by those in power.