Library bereft of books

The plans for the library were quite impressive. The multi-storeyed library was to come up on 11,861 square feet space out of the  27,211 square-feet space allotted for it. It was supposed to house 30,000 books of various languages, newspapers, a TV and CD room to view educational material, a children’s reading room and a lift to aid senior citizens besides space for parking and walking.

Today, weeds have grown around the building. Inside, labourers engaged in construction work in the area cook and wash.

The Citizens Welfare Association in the block has made repeated representations to the MLA and other government officials to complete the work.

Lakshmi Murthy and Sonalatha, who live in the neighbourhood, are witness to the drunken brawls which take place regularly. Association president, Rajesh says all kinds of people come to the abandoned building.  

“It is the unguarded empty space and the dark surroundings that is encouraging people to use it for all activities. If the library gets completed, all problems will cease,” says Vasudeva Rao.

MLA of Sarvagnagar K J George said that he had raised the issue in the Assembly and the government has given an assurance that the work would be completed soon.

 George said that after some portion of the building was completed, the contractors felt that the funds allocated would be inadequate to complete this huge library and urged the government to sanction  more than Rs two crore to complete it.

 “The Cabinet turned down the request and a stalemate was reached,” the MLA said. “I have already requested the government to open the library shortly with whatever work has been completed so far and have received a positive assurance in this connection,”George added. The additional storey and extra facilities would be built later.