Joint action to improve amenities

HYDERABAD: The United Federation for Residents’ Welfare Association (UFERWAS-Alwal) is the saviour for the residents of Alwal and neighbouring areas. A unique initiative, which motivates residents to take a proactive role in the development of their area, UFERWAS-Alwal is just a month-and-a-half old. An affiliate of UFERWAS-GHMC, it is working towards the betterment of the civic amenities in entire Alwal zone comprising Alwal, Old Alwal, Venkatapuram, Bolarum, Yapral, etc.

The primary objective of UFERWAS is to bring together all independent resident welfare associations on a common platform and for collective action, says Ashwin Nalluri, Coordinator, UFERWAS-Alwal. As many as 93 welfare associations are part of UFERWAS in Alwal.

According to Mr. Ashwin, the problem areas are brought to the notice of the Federation during the monthly meetings. UFERWAS, in turn, brings them to the notice of the officials concerned of GHMC.

Each volunteer or member of the Federation is in charge of different cells such as Education, Sanitation and Health, Engineering (which covers roads and buildings), Town Planning, Horticulture, Senior Citizens Cell, etc.
Citizens apathetic

From handling mosquito menace to development of parks to checking the quality standards of eateries, the Federation is all set to solve its own share of problems. Though the GHMC has been responsive to the Federation, Mr. Ashwin feels that there is very little empathy from the residents themselves.

“Except a handful of people, citizens are generally apathetic and are not responsive. They attend the meetings only when they have a problem and don’t turn up to address others’ problems,” he says.
Interactions

Currently, the Federation initiates interactions between citizens and the police. Plans are also on to invite representatives from schools for the interactions.

For a federation just a month old, it’s already become a change-maker. UFERWAS-Alwal has brought to the notice the deplorable sewerage conditions near Tirumala Enclave located in Alwal.

GHMC Alwal immediately took notice of the conditions and initiated action to address the problems.