The society ‘armed’ with lush green avenues

The society ‘armed’ with lush green avenues

The broad avenues, well planned parks, good sanitation and regular water supply, is due to the tireless efforts and efficient management by retired Defence personnel and trained staff who are known for their dedication, discipline and enforcement of prevailing laws

Ch Saibaba

Armed Forces Officers Co-operative Housing Society Ltd is one of the oldest and most beautifully developed colonies in the city located at Sainikpuri. It functions under the GHMC’s Kapra Municipality in the East Zone limits. The layout was finalised in 1960 by erstwhile MCH consisting of 490 plots, spread over 151.37 acres of land. Over 1000 families live in the society, of which majority belong to the retired top officials from the Defence background.

The Founder, (Late) Brig M K Rao envisioned the idea of this colony where retired defence officers would be able to live together in an eco-friendly environment. The foundation stone was laid in 1964 by Gen J N Chaudhuri, the then Colonel Commandant of the Corps of EME, with the intention of keeping the colony open to all three Defence Service Officers for their rest and recuperation after their retirement.

The highlight of the colony are the lush green trees, the sound of chirping birds, the sight of rare nestling sparrows and squirrels in its natural habitat. The broad avenues, well planned parks, good sanitation and regular water supply, is due to the tireless efforts and efficient management by retired Defence personnel and trained staff who are known for their dedication, discipline and enforcement of prevailing laws. The first plots were allotted to the postal, electric and telephone departments to set up their offices keeping in mind the convenience of Sainkpuri residents as well as the neighbouring colonies. A shopping complex, auditorium housing a gym, sports and library facilities, a medical inspection room and a temple, are all available within walking distance.

Lt Col ( Retd) R Bhaskar,secretary said, Sainikpuri celebrated its 54th Foundation Day on August 19, where nine distinguished super senior citizens, all in mid-eighties, were felicitated and honoured in recognition of their outstanding contribution during the war periods for the cause of our country. It has also won the Best Colony Award in East Zone instituted by GHMC in the year 2011.

Major Gen (Retd) M Gopal Rao, President, said, rain water harvesting, vermi culture, garbage segregation,and rules forbidding tree felling are being strictly implemented. “Ours is a 100% environment friendly colony. We have an excellent liaison with the police and the colony is made fully safe with regular police beats,” he said.

The society has paid Rs 60 lakh to GHMC as first installment towards sewerage project and for drinking water pipelines in the colony. The project is expected to be completed by January 2014.

90-year-old, General K V Krishna Rao, PVSM, Retd, Chief of the Army Staff and Ex-Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, said, “It’s hard to believe that these 150 acres of completely barren, rocky uneven land was magically transformed into a green belt which was awarded the “Order of the Green Excellence” by the Tree Care Club of Hyderabad. In the 1970s Sainikpuri was considered way out of anybody’s reach, in terms of distance, but today the distance has no value as it has become a part of heart of the city. Owning a bungalow or plot in this colony is surely a matter of pride.

Though the majority of us are retired, we are not a spent force but a vibrant community.My wife, (Late) Radha, was a great source of strength to me and she was instrumental for buying a plot in those days after which I settled in Hyderabad.”

Lt Col (Retd) P B Murthy, treasurer said, “The burning issues in the society are stray dog menace and dumping of garbage on colony footpaths by commuters and people from the neighbouring communities.

Our efforts to fix the dog menace with the GHMC could not yield any results and residents continue to fear dog bites. But that apart, 90% of the members are prompt payers of monthly maintenance charges which is a record of recoveries.”

The term of the office is five years and present managing committee members include Major Gen (Retd) M Gopal Rao, President; Col (Retd) K K Murthi, Vice-President; Lt Col (Retd) R Bhaskar, Secretary; Lt Col (Retd) P B Murthy,Treasurer; Rekha Bayanker Sumant, K Sita Rama Rao, Lt.Col (Retd) P Kamesh as members.