Last year SiliconAndhra initiated construction of a Multipurpose Community Center (A two storied building) in Peda Karagraharam, Krishna District. Peda Karagraharam is a small village of 3000 people at a radial distance of 500 meters from the sea. The main professions are fishing, hunting and farming. The village comprises of three hamlets.
We did Bhumi Pooja Feb 2006 and the construction started in May 2007 after a few procedural approvals. The construction got delayed due to tremendous beaurocracy in getting funds released with out paying any bribes. It is a very uphill task. But our local coordinator, Suryanarayana garu using all the resources at his disposal. As of today, the first floor slab is completed and second floor will be done on Feb 28. During the last year the construction material coasts soared by at least 30%. We have a few challenges ahead of us to complete this project. Please see this blog for updates.
Background
It all started with a phone call to the local MLA, Perni Venkatramayya. After the first conversation, he suggested us to construct the community center at Peda Karagraharam in Bandar Mandalam. The next morning he arranged a trip to visit the village and meet the local panchayati members. On Monday 2/6, early in the morning, true to his word, he came to my house with Nagesh - Asst. Executive Engineer, Mandal Development Officer and with some others. We all went to the village, looked at the location and met the panchayati members in a old dilapidated building. Explained them our intention to build the community center and requested them to complete the formalities of passing resolutions giving us the site to construct etc. Once they were happy, I indicated my intention of starting work on Wednesday 2/8 by doing Bhumi Pooja. People around me paused and looked at me as if I was the new crazy man in the town. Of course I am. Requested Suryanarayana to fix the muhurtam for the Bhoomi Puja. He was also a little bit skeptical.
On our way back, requested the AE to develop the specs and cost estimate. By evening it became clear that we need around Rs. 10 lacs to construct a building of meaningful size and utility. As there is a shortage of funds what SiliconAndhra/TP.com could provide, decided to aproach District collector Navin Mittal and request him a matching grant. While waiting to get hold of the collector, started pulling the necessary crew together to construct the building. The mestri, men and material details have been reviewed and designs were developed in parallel to the AE's efforts.
As the collector was tied up in Grama Sabhalu all day, finally he agreed to meet us at 9:30 PM at his home (Collector Bungalow), not happens that often. I explained him about SiliconAndhra and our activities and the scope of the project. He was happy and rightaway orally agreed for a matching grant of Rs. 4 lacs and asked us to submit a proposal by 9 AM the next morning (Tuesday, 2/7) as he would be travelling for the next few days.
From Collectors Bungalow, drove straight to Asst Executive Engineer's office (he was already working all day to develop the design and specs). Explained him the collector's decision and asked him to develop a brand new design and specs at 10:30 PM (Most of you may know how rare for a Govt employee to work at that time) Nagesh the AE and his team worked until 5 AM and finalized the new specs. A formal request with the tech specs has been submitted to collector by 8:30 AM and he approved before he left the town. You never know what helps.
Took the help of local young friends and made preparations for the Bhoomi Puja at a very hectic pace. Banners, sweets, coconuts, photographer to Maamidi mandalu all details were chalked out for the next day Bhoomi Puja. Made sure all the local protocols are followed to get the Panchayati Sarpanch etc. involved.
All was left was major task of demolishing the old building that was present at the construction site. Requested the MLA to make arrangements to send a Proclain and wanted to get it done before the Muhurtham. He made it happen and there was no trace of the building by 11 AM on Wenesday. As planned, the Bhoomi Puja was done on time at 11:15 AM with the MLA and others participating in a festive environment.
