Anakapalli District, Rolugunta: A basic civic facility has turned into a serious safety concern for residents of Vedullavalasa, an ST Gadaba PVTG tribal hamlet located on the outskirts of Kovvuru Gram Panchayat in Rolugunta Mandal of Anakapalli district.
For nearly three months, streetlights in the village have reportedly remained non-functional, leaving the streets completely dark after sunset. Residents, particularly women, children and elderly people, say they are facing growing fear while moving through the village at night.
Dark Streets, Fear of Snakes and Poisonous Insects
According to villagers, snakes, centipedes and other poisonous insects are frequently seen in and around the village during nighttime. With no street lighting, residents are finding it difficult to move safely after dark.
The lack of lighting has raised concerns over possible snakebite and other accidents, especially involving children, women and elderly residents.
For the villagers, the issue is no longer merely about streetlights—it has become a question of basic public safety.
Officials Pointing Fingers at Each Other?
Residents claim that they repeatedly contacted the concerned electricity department lineman regarding the issue. They were reportedly informed that the Panchayat had not paid the electricity bill.
The villagers then approached the Panchayat Secretary and brought the issue to his attention. According to them, they were informed that no Demand had been issued for the past 15 days.
When the villagers reportedly questioned the lineman about the matter, they were told that the AE had not issued the Demand. When they approached the AE, they were allegedly directed to contact the lineman.
The villagers say that this lack of coordination between the Panchayat administration and electricity department officials has resulted in the problem continuing for nearly three months.
Why Has the Problem Continued for Three Months?
Residents are seeking clear answers.
Is the issue related to pending electricity bills?
Was the Demand not issued?
Is there an administrative delay?
Or is the problem the result of poor coordination between the Panchayat and electricity department?
The villagers are demanding a proper inquiry to establish where the issue is pending and who is responsible for the delay.
Immediate Action Sought
Residents have urged the MPDO and concerned authorities to treat the issue as an emergency, inspect all streetlights in the village and restore the lighting system without further delay.
They have also sought verification of electricity bills, pending dues, Demand details and payment records of the Panchayat.
If any negligence or lack of responsibility is found, the villagers have demanded appropriate action against those responsible.
A Question of Safety, Not Just Infrastructure
As Vedullavalasa is home to ST Gadaba PVTG tribal families, residents say the authorities should give special attention to basic infrastructure and public safety in the village.
Streetlights are not merely a convenience—they are an essential part of public safety.
After spending nearly three months in darkness, the villagers are now asking one simple question:
“When will our streets finally have light?”
Villagers Neelapu Devudamma, Ganta Lakshmi, K. Govindarao, CPM district executive committee member, and others have raised the issue and urged the authorities to take immediate action.
The people of Vedullavalasa are not asking for assurances—they are asking for their basic right to a safe and illuminated village.
