Peddapalli District, Godavarikhani: Ensuring the supply of safe and clean drinking water is one of the primary responsibilities of local civic bodies. However, residents of Vittal Nagar in the 12th Division of the Ramagundam Municipal Corporation have raised serious concerns over the quality of drinking water being supplied to their locality after worms were reportedly found in the water for the second time within four days.
The repeated occurrence has triggered fear and anger among residents, who have accused municipal authorities of negligence and failure to address the issue despite repeated complaints.
According to local residents, they have informed municipal officials as well as the local corporator several times about the contaminated water supply, but no permanent corrective measures have been taken so far. They alleged that there is little or no monitoring of the drinking water distribution system in the division, putting public health at risk.
Speaking on the issue, local resident Boddu Ravinder said that the drinking water supplied earlier through the Mission Bhagiratha scheme used to be of good quality. However, he claimed that water is now supplied only once every four days, and even that water contains worms. He expressed concern over the health risks involved and alleged that repeated complaints to the authorities have gone unanswered.
Residents said the presence of worms in drinking water is a clear indication of possible contamination. They suggested that pipeline leakages, poor maintenance of overhead storage tanks, and inadequate chlorination could be contributing factors. Supplying contaminated water, they said, amounts to endangering public health.
Some residents also pointed out that the supply of contaminated drinking water could attract legal action against those responsible under applicable public health and municipal regulations. They stressed that authorities have a legal obligation to ensure safe drinking water and prevent conditions that pose risks to public health.
The residents of the 12th Division have demanded that municipal authorities immediately conduct quality tests on the drinking water, inspect pipelines and storage tanks, identify the source of contamination, and implement a permanent solution. They warned that if prompt action is not taken, they will stage a protest and lay siege to the municipal office along with other residents of the division.
