Mumbai, July 22: The Uttar Pradesh government’s housing initiatives have provided permanent homes for impoverished families, but basic amenities remain severely lacking. Approximately 400 families residing in Asra Colony, Kanpur Dehat, face numerous challenges, including waterlogging, damaged roads, and persistent electricity and water supply issues. Conditions worsen during the monsoon season, leaving residents frustrated despite numerous complaints and protests to local authorities.
Resident Buddh Prakash, who has lived in the colony for a year, highlighted the dire state of the roads and mud. “When it rains, the streets turn into swamps, making it extremely difficult for children to attend school,” he stated. School vehicles refuse to enter the colony, forcing parents to carry their children to the main road. He emphasized that the government should have prioritized infrastructure development before allocating homes.
Another resident, Suhana Begum, has lived in the colony for four years. She reported that during the rainy season, water can reach knee-deep levels. “The roads are unpaved, and there are no drainage systems,” she explained. Children often slip and fall on their way to school, leading to injuries. Additionally, power outages are frequent, and water supply issues persist.
Suhana noted that most families in the colony are economically disadvantaged, making it challenging to seek medical care for injured children. “If we had sufficient resources, we wouldn’t be forced to live in such conditions,” she lamented.
Anup Mishra, another resident, mentioned that the roads have been in disrepair for over a year. “The situation worsens with rainwater accumulation,” he said, recounting an incident where a woman slipped and fell on the road. Despite multiple applications to officials and protests, no concrete action has been taken.
Amit Kumar, the Additional District Magistrate (Administration) of Kanpur Dehat, acknowledged the drainage issues due to the colony’s low-lying location. He confirmed that the Akbarpur Nagar Panchayat had already allocated the Asra Colony and that 398 families currently reside there.
Kumar stated that efforts are ongoing to find a permanent solution in collaboration with C&DSS. Once the project is prepared, it will be submitted to the government for budget approval, enabling the construction of proper drainage and other essential facilities. In the meantime, soil is being spread on the roads to maintain access during the rains.
Uttar Pradesh Minister Pratibha Shukla announced that approval for one road has already been granted. She assured residents that if any other issues arise, they will also be addressed.
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