Drinking water scarcity hits Devanakonda residents hard

Devanakonda: The drinking water crisis in Devanakonda mandal headquarters has deepened significantly, with residents across several localities complaining of severe pipeline damage, frequent leakages, and contaminated supply.

Localities face continuous water wastage through damaged pipes, while women are forced to trek long distances to fetch clean water for daily needs.

Speaking on Sunday, a resident, Ramesh, highlighted that in some areas, sewage and drainage water are actively mixing with the drinking water supply due to broken underground pipes, posing grave health hazards to the public.

Despite submitting multiple representations, residents allege that local authorities have taken no concrete measures, citing pending bills and delay in fund releases as reasons for postponing repairs.

The inaction triggered widespread public resentment, driving villagers to carry empty pots to the Gram Panchayat office in protest.

Protesters directly questioned the utilization of funds sanctioned under the 14th Finance Commission, seeking clear details regarding allocations, work orders, and total expenditures.

They demanded full transparency and public disclosure of accounts, pointing out that basic civic amenities like drinking water and drainage remain neglected.

Representing the villagers, residents Ramesh, Ranganna, and Allah Bakash urged higher authorities to intervene without delay.

They demanded the immediate overhaul of damaged pipelines, prevention of drainage seepage, deployment of alternative water supply arrangements, and comprehensive water quality testing in affected areas.

They further insisted that Panchayat authorities make fund records public to resolve suspicion and ensure accountable governance before the water crisis worsens any further.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

V Narendra Kumar

V Narendra Kumar[email protected]

Narendra Kumar Varikuntla is a seasoned journalist with 15 years of experience in reporting and news coverage. He holds a Master's degree in English Literature. He is Staff Correspondent for The Hans India based in Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh Before embarking on his career in journalism, he worked with Tata Robins Fraser (TRF) as a Confidential Assistant at the Rourkela Steel Plant, where he served for 10 years. His tenure at TRF enabled him to develop strong administrative, communication, and organisational skills, which have significantly contributed to his success in journalism. He began his journalistic career with Deccan Chronicle, where he gained valuable experience in reporting and news gathering. Since 2015, he has been serving as a Staff Correspondent with The Hans India, covering the erstwhile Kurnool district, including Kurnool and Nandyal. During his journalism career, Narendra Kumar has extensively reported on governance, politics, public affairs, social issues, agriculture, and developmental activities. He is known for his commitment to accurate, balanced, and responsible journalism, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. In addition to his journalistic profession, he is actively engaged in agriculture and personally cultivates 10 acres of farmland. His close association with farming provides him with firsthand insight into rural life and farmers' issues, enriching his reporting on agriculture and rural development.

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