Overhead water tank not cleaned even once in 8 years

Jammalamadugu (Kadapa): A sheer negligence of municipal officials came to the light as overhead water tank located in Rajiv Nagar Colony near Gudem Cheruvu in the Mandal was not cleaned once for the last eight years. Residents of the colony have been using the water of overhead tank for drinking and cooking purpose.

• Tank is located in Rajiv Nagar Colony near Gudem Cheruvu in Jammalamadugu Mandal

Colony residents are in fear of facing health problems as they were drinking water contaminated with algae for eight long years. Pipelines were laid for supplying water from an overhead tank to various streets through taps. However, pipes have become old, rusty and broken at many places. Residents alleged that water in pipelines is being contaminated with water of a farm pond at leakage points.

Colony residents are expressing fear that they might contract diseases like diarrhea and jaundice. The overhead water tank was constructed in December 2008 with municipal funds. Water is being supplied to 1,400 households from a water tank. Even though the overhead tank lies in panchayat area limits but it is being supervised by the municipal officials.

Since 2008, the tank was not cleaned even for once. Speaking to The Hans India, MPDO Mallaiah said that municipality is responsible for cleaning overhead tank. Sarpanch Suresh said that they gave several complaints to municipal officials but they went in vain. Residents alleged that Water Works department staff did not respond to their complaints for the last eight years.

To the repeated calls made by The Hans India reporter, AE Bhaskar Reddy did not answer the mobile call. When tried to meet him at the office, it came to know that he was in Hyderabad for an official work.