Pawan Kalyan Orders Post-Cyclone Restoration as Andhra Deploys 15,686 Sanitation Workers

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has directed officials to intensify sanitation, protect drinking water sources and accelerate the restoration of essential services in villages affected by Cyclone Arnab. He stressed that government personnel must remain on the ground until normal conditions are restored, with particular attention to stagnant water, damaged infrastructure and the prevention of post-cyclone diseases.

The directions come as Andhra Pradesh continues to address the aftermath of Cyclone Arnab, with restoration of essential services remaining a priority in affected areas. Heavy rainfall, flooding and damage to infrastructure can increase the risk of water contamination and disease outbreaks, making sanitation and public health measures crucial during recovery.

Officials informed Pawan Kalyan that 15,686 sanitation workers had been deployed across cyclone-affected districts. A total of 2,358 sanitation teams and 1,103 evacuation teams are currently engaged in operations. Authorities have stocked 10,17,701 kg of bleaching powder, 28,40,433 kg of lime and 40,241 litres of chlorine to support sanitation and disinfection activities.

The Deputy Chief Minister directed officials to pay special attention to low-lying areas where rainwater has accumulated and ensure that stagnant water is removed promptly using pumps and other machinery. He also stressed the need to prevent waterlogging from contaminating drinking water sources.

The Rural Water Supply Department has been instructed to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supplies in affected villages. Officials must immediately repair damaged pump sets, overhead tanks and pipelines, arrange water tankers wherever necessary and continuously monitor water quality.

Meanwhile, authorities have kept 4,325 emergency equipment units, vehicles and other resources ready for restoration operations. These include 303 JCBs, cranes and excavators, 550 tractors, 233 water tankers and 487 generators to support debris clearance, water removal and infrastructure repairs.

The Panchayat Raj Department is monitoring the situation through a 24-hour state-level command and control system, alongside district control rooms. Pawan Kalyan directed officials to remain available in villages until conditions return to normal and submit regular reports on restoration progress.

The measures aim to restore essential services, protect public health and ensure that cyclone-affected communities regain access to safe drinking water and basic facilities as quickly as possible.