Bhavanipuram Faces Civic and Drinking Water Crisis: Vellampalli Srinivasa Rao

A YSRCP-led field visit was conducted on Thursday in the former 41st Division of Bhavanipuram in the Vijayawada West constituency to assess the problems faced by local residents. Former minister Vellampalli Srinivasa Rao, former mayor Rayana Bhagya Lakshmi and other party leaders participated in the programme organised under the leadership of former corporator MD Irfan.

The team visited Harijanawada, Out Agency, Rangoon Saheb Street, President Street and Masjid Street, interacting with residents and seeking details of the difficulties they have been facing. Residents reportedly raised several concerns related to sanitation, drainage, drinking water and road conditions.

Vellampalli launched a sharp attack on the coalition government and Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) officials, alleging that basic civic services had deteriorated in the division. He said sewage was accumulating outside houses and claimed that residents were being forced to live amid poor sanitation. Blocked drainage, mosquito infestation and unclean roads, he alleged, were creating an unhealthy environment and increasing the risk of illnesses.

The former minister also questioned the drinking water situation, pointing out that residents were struggling for adequate water despite the locality being situated close to the Krishna River. He alleged that the authorities had failed to address the basic needs of people living in the area.

Vellampalli said he contacted the VMC Commissioner, Chief Medical and Health Officer, sanitary inspectors and Executive Engineer over the civic problems identified during the visit. He said a sanitary inspector was subsequently called to the locality and shown the conditions on the ground.

He further alleged that authorities had failed to act against the discharge of construction-related wastewater into drainage channels, which he said was aggravating the existing sanitation problems.

Vellampalli also alleged that the coalition government had cancelled house sites and housing benefits sanctioned to poor families under the previous YSRCP government. He said Khajabhai, a TDP supporter, told him that he had not received his pension despite being eligible.

Regarding Rangoon Saheb Street, he said road works sanctioned years ago had still not begun and demanded that the existing tender be cancelled and the project awarded through re-tendering.

Criticising the coalition administration, Vellampalli alleged that welfare, development and basic civic maintenance had suffered. He predicted that people would give the coalition a strong response in the next elections.