Collector inspects drinking water, sanitation in Turakapalem

District Collector A. Thameem Ansariya visited Turakapalem village near Guntur city on Wednesday (September 17) to review the drinking water supply and sanitation conditions. During her inspection, she examined the functioning of two drinking water schemes, checked sanitation across the village, and inspected a medical camp set up for residents.

Interacting with villagers, the Collector enquired whether the current water supply was sufficient for their needs. She urged residents to ensure water containers are properly covered and advised them to use boiled and cooled water to prevent health issues.

She also asked villagers to immediately avail of services at the medical camp in case of illness and pointed out that advanced healthcare was available at the nearby Pedapalakaluru Primary Health Centre. Stressing the importance of personal and environmental hygiene, she instructed officials to strengthen awareness campaigns and communicate even small details clearly to the community. She also directed strict implementation of the Friday Dry Day sanitation programme and ordered officials to provide medical test results promptly to villagers.

District Medical and Health Officer Dr. K. Vijaya Lakshmi and Guntur Government General Hospital Superintendent S.S.V. Ramana briefed the Collector, stating that the village has a population of around 2,500 and medical tests had been conducted for all residents above 18 years of age.

Rural Water Supply Department’s supervising engineer Kalyan Chakravarthy explained the details of water distribution. Villagers, however, expressed concerns about drinking water shortages during June and July, and requested a permanent solution through supply from Guntur Municipal Corporation. They highlighted that borewells often run dry at depths of 200–300 feet, while private attempts go as deep as 500 feet. They also urged stronger sanitation measures around manholes.

Revenue Divisional Officer Srinivasa Rao, District Panchayat Officer B.V. Naga Sai Kumar, and other officials participated in the programme.