Residents suffer as Pragati Vihar turns fortress for Games

The Commonwealth Games opening ceremony is barely a few hours away and no one would know it better than the residents of Pragati Vihar.

The Commonwealth Games opening ceremony is barely a few hours away and no one would know it better than the residents of Pragati Vihar.

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The residential complex, adjacent to the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, has been swamped by security officials with barricades visible on all but one road.

Residents have been facing a lot of problems due to traffic restrictions imposed from September 27.

"If someone is seriously ill, it will be a problem as there is no chemist in the area. Earlier, we could call up and order items on phone, but now facilities like home delivery have been stopped," said A.K. Pipal, president, Pragati Vihar Residents' Association.

"The intense security cover has made life difficult. There is just one place where one can get groceries. The vendors too have been removed. I have been cooking only dal and rice for three days now," said Lam Pipal, a resident of Pragati Vihar.

The residents of the colonies around the stadium underwent special verification drives. The domestic help also underwent verification and have now been given identity cards.

"We have cooperated a lot, but in return we have not been treated well. Till yesterday, we were getting water for only 30 minutes. It was only after our protests that they gave us water for some more time," Lam added.

The residents were given special transit passes for cars. But, that has not helped.

"The pass doesn't give us any privilege," said a resident.