Why is Rs 1.06 crore allotted for Telangana ministers’ quarters, asks Oppn; govt says crucial repairs
The government order sanction on January 27 is Rs 76 lakh for minister Azharuddin’s home
By - Newsmeter Network
Hyderabad: Sanctioning of Rs 1.06 crore for ministers’ quarters in Banjara Hills has kicked off a political row with the Opposition calling it foul, while the State Congress government stating that the funds are being used for fixing the long-pending infrastructural problems, such as improper draining, rot and pest infestation.
The government order to the Roads and Buildings department is to fix collapsed drainage, structural rot and vermin infestations in quarter No. 29 allotted to Minister Mohammed Azharuddin.
Earlier, the same bungalow was allotted to Health Minister Damodara Raja Narasimha, who has now been shifted to quarter No. 30.
A senior member of Damodar Raja Narasimha's staff said, “The police security is still using the two rooms in quarter No. 29 and the condition there is very bad. The bathrooms are not proper and there is a major rat infestation in this area. The repairs are necessary as the drainage from the top is flowing down into the colony.”
What is the sanction?
The government order sanction on January 27 is Rs 76 lakh for minister Azharuddin’s home and Rs 30 lakh for health minister Narasimha’s home.
Drainage crisis
The most severe issue is the interconnected plumbing of the hillside complex.
At quarters No. 30, the drainage system has collapsed. Due to the steep topography of Road No. 12, this ‘top-level’ failure has created a nightmare for those living further down the slope.
The health minister’s team explained, “Drainage water is leaking from quarter no 30 to quarter No. 5. This is a major problem and the amount of Rs 30 lakh is sanctioned to fix the drains. There is also a need for bathrooms for security personnel. The security also requires shade with the approaching summer, as they will not be able to sit.”
‘25-year decay’
Quarter No. 29, recently allotted to Minister Azharuddin, is in a state of decay, the government said.
There are reports of massive rat infestations due to the drain collapse. The security personnel and the staff have reported that rats are hounding the place. These quarters were built 25 years ago and their repairs were important.
A staff member of Azharuddin explained, “The situation is bad, not only does it stink, but there are bandicoots out at night. We never know what or who they will bite.”
The government officials say that the work is for primary fixes like civil, sanitary repairs, security sheds, staff room restoration and rat proofing.
What is the Opposition saying?
Opposition leaders argue that while the ministers deserve functional homes, the ‘lavishness’ of the repairs—including solar equipment and high-end wardrobes—stands in stark contrast to the state’s inability to pay pending bills for rural infrastructure.
Opposition alleges that the inflated amount is not only for the works chalked out but also for the interiors of Minister Azharuddin’s bungalow.
