According to employees working at the site, the situation has deteriorated steadily over the past several months. “We have not received our wages for nearly half a year. Despite repeated representations, there has been no response

The Ambedkar Smriti Vanam, a landmark memorial dedicated to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the city centre in Vijayawada, is today staring at neglect and administrative apathy, raising serious questions over the government’s commitment to preserving public memorials of national importance.

Once projected as a prestigious public space and a symbol of social justice, the memorial park is now grappling with basic infrastructure failures. Water supply to the premises has reportedly been interrupted, air-conditioning inside key sections is non-functional, routine maintenance has come to a standstill, and staff members allege that their salaries have been pending for the last six months.

According to employees working at the site, the situation has deteriorated steadily over the past several months. “We have not received our wages for nearly half a year. Despite repeated representations, there has been no response. How are we expected to survive or continue working under these conditions?” asked a staff member, requesting anonymity. Another employee said that even drinking water facilities for workers and visitors are inadequate. “There is no water in the restrooms, no proper upkeep, and no clarity from the authorities,” he added.

Visitors to the memorial echoed similar concerns. “This place was meant to honour Dr. Ambedkar and educate future generations. Though it is informative and one of a kind attraction, it’s sad to see the place's lack of basic facilities is shocking,” said B.Lakshman, a visitor from Guntur.

The Ambedkar Smriti Vanam was developed during the previous YSRCP government and inaugurated with much fanfare as a major urban landmark. However, political circles are now abuzz with allegations that the memorial is being deliberately neglected because it was constructed during former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s tenure.

“Is this neglect because ‘Jagan built it’?” questioned an angry employee of the smriti vanam. “Dr. Ambedkar does not belong to any one party. He belongs to the nation. Turning a memorial into a political casualty is deeply unfortunate.”

Speaking to Metro India, NTR district Collector Lakshmi Sha, denied the allegations of political vendetta in poorly maintenance of the park. “Ther is nothing being done deliberately, there may be some instances of water supply and maintenance issues, we will look into the matter immediately.”