Sri Vijaya Puram, May 7: Residents of Ward No. 23 in Birdline Barugudem have raised serious concerns over worsening drinking water shortages, neglected public infrastructure and safety risks, prompting a field inspection by Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray and Executive Engineer S.K. Gupta.
During the visit, residents informed the MP that drinking water is being supplied only once every five days and for barely ten minutes with extremely low pressure, leaving families struggling to meet basic household needs. Locals said repeated complaints over irregular supply have not resulted in lasting solutions, while the growing crisis has severely affected daily life in the locality.
The inspection focused on multiple problem areas, including an abandoned municipal well, depleted freshwater streams and an unsafe bridge used by residents and school children.
Residents drew attention to a defunct public well constructed nearly 15 years ago under the Municipal Council. According to locals, the well contains sufficient water but has remained unused for years due to poor maintenance and lack of restoration efforts. They stated that the well has become contaminated after prolonged neglect, with reports of dead animals found inside, rendering the water unsafe for public use.
After inspecting the condition of the site, Bishnu Pada Ray assured residents that immediate cleaning and restoration work would be initiated to make the well operational again for regular public water supply. Residents said restoration of the well could significantly reduce the ongoing shortage in the area.
The MP, accompanied by Executive Engineer S.K. Gupta, also inspected two freshwater streams locally known as Hathi Nallah and Dyke Nallah, which have historically served as key water sources for the locality. Residents informed the visiting team that small dams constructed earlier over the streams were unable to retain adequate water and have now largely dried up, worsening the crisis.
Following discussions with the engineering team and local residents, a decision was taken to carry out 150 mm borewell drilling at both locations to improve water availability in the affected areas. Officials indicated that the borewells are expected to provide a more stable and regular source of drinking water for residents facing prolonged shortages.
Apart from water scarcity, residents also highlighted safety concerns linked to a narrow bridge constructed over a drainage channel in the area. According to the public, heavy rainfall during the monsoon season causes water to overflow above the bridge level, making movement risky for school children, elderly residents and daily commuters.
Taking note of the issue, Bishnu Pada Ray announced that a stronger 2×2 foot bridge would be constructed to improve public safety and accessibility during periods of heavy rainfall. He stated that approximately βΉ5 lakh would be allocated to the engineering department for the proposed construction work.
Residents welcomed the announcements but said timely execution of the promised measures would be crucial in addressing the long-standing civic problems affecting Ward No. 23.
