Union Minister directs officials to monitor water supply, prevent diseases in Guntur

Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communication Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar on Friday directed officials to step up monitoring of drinking water supply and implement strict preventive measures to curb seasonal diseases within Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) limits.

At a review meeting held at the Collectorate, attended by District Collector A. Thameem Ansariya, Joint Collector Ashutosh Srivastava, and GMC Commissioner Puli Srinivasulu, the Minister commended officials for their swift response to recent diarrhoea outbreaks. He emphasized that early preventive action, continuous water quality monitoring, and strict enforcement of food safety norms were crucial to preventing the spread of such diseases.

Ms. Ansariya outlined the measures undertaken, including the appointment of special officers in high-risk areas, provision of safe drinking water through tankers, closure of 21 substandard private RO plants, and inspections of food outlets and street vendors. She noted that patients received timely treatment at Guntur Government Hospital and urban health centres, with most now recovering.

Mr. Srinivasulu added that reservoir cleaning, pipeline repairs, awareness campaigns, and distribution of health kits in affected areas were ongoing. The Minister urged officials to prioritise preventive measures over reactive ones, assuring that coordinated efforts would help keep the city safe. Officials from health, municipal, and allied departments attended the meeting.