Hyderabad: The peace of sleeping in one’s own home, no matter how small it is, is a lifetime goal for many. In Hyderabad, 288 houses became homes on Saturday, with the State government fast progressing towards its goal of one lakh 2BHK homes in the GHMC limits under its Dignity Housing Scheme.
From families whose circumstances forced them to sleep in leaking tin sheds, to senior citizens who are finding peace towards the twilight days of their lives, the Pilligudiselu 2BHK housing colony saw a lot of smiles on Saturday.
Abdul Khader, a wall painter who was overwhelmed with joy after his name was announced as one of the 2BHK beneficiaries, shared his experience with Telangana Today.
He recalled the hardships when he and his family used to live in a temporary shelter with tin sheds in Pilligudiselu near Chanchalguda and thanked the government for providing him with a new home. He was accompanied by his wife and children.
“I work as a painter to make a living. My family consisting of my wife and four children wanted a pakka house but building a house with my earnings was not possible. To our surprise, the State government completed the task for us like a guardian,” he said. “After years, I now have my own house and it is a moment to celebrate,” he added.
He also drew comparison between his temporary shelter in Rakshapuram, Chandrayangutta with the brand new 2BHK house, and said, “Six of us lived in one temporary shelter, but our new house has two bedrooms and a hall too. I thank Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao for building these houses.” Khader said when his land was acquired by the government for building the house, his family used to shell out Rs 4,000 as rent every month, and added, “Our good time has arrived and here I am in my new house.”
Beejan Bee, a senior citizen became misty when she entered into her new house in the Pilligudiselu 2BHK Housing Colony.
“We used to live in temporary shelters at this place for decades and now a newly built house has been allocated to us in the same land. I like this newly built house,” she said with a smile on her face. “When we were informed that our land is being acquired to build new houses, I was worried about the location of my new house, but today I am very happy as the government has built the houses at the same place where we lived for decades,” she added.
Beejan Bee also expressed her astonishment over the changes happening at Pilligudiselu. “This area has completely changed with the construction of these tall buildings. Me and my daughter were surprised to see the transformation,” she said. Several people visited her house and congratulated her. Beejan Bee, sitting in the hall holding the house document, greeted them with a smile and gave them sweets too. She was also calling her family members over phone and sharing her happiness.
Shameen Begum, one of the beneficiaries, immediately after seeing her new house started praying for the wellbeing of all the people involved in building the housing colony.
“May the Almighty bless each and every person who made this project possible. I pray that Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao and MP Asaduddin Owaisi are blessed with health and success,” she said.
“The house is very beautiful, I am stunned to see it. The first thing that came to my mind was to thank God and pray for people who were part of transforming our lives by building this project,” she said. “Water used to enter our homes with every spell of rain, but things have changed now. We do not have to worry anymore and can sleep peacefully,” she added.