The State Minister for Industries, Commerce, and Food Processing, TG Bharath, is leading a significant cleanliness and desilting campaign in Kurnool city. Municipal officials have responded to his directives by initiating massive operations, sending more than 150 extra employees in addition to normal workers to clear the silt from the drains in every ward of the city.

Each ward now employs more than 15 committed workers who are working to remove main sewage lines thanks to an investment of Rs 1.06 crore. Heavy equipment like JCBs and Hitachis are finally being used to solve a long-standing problem: the Sudda Vagu drain. The Handri River is now undergoing similar forest removal efforts.

As part of the Minister’s focus on resource efficiency, desilting material is being recycled to build a bund road from Yellamma Temple to Budhavara Peta Bridge. On his instructions, the KC Canal is also being cleaned.

Residents praised the improved cleanliness as water quickly drained from low-lying regions after recent storms. Citing hazards to public health, Municipal Commissioner YS Ravindra Babu cautioned residents against dumping into canals or constructing over them and encouraged them to dispose of rubbish exclusively in municipal vehicles. You may call 7422992299 to file a complaint about rubbish pickup.

The absence of protective gear for sanitation workers, however, alarmed NGO Rajendra Prasad Ananta, which warned of health risks from exposure to glass shards, medical waste, and other dangerous items. To preserve workers’ health and stop any disease outbreaks like Hepatitis-A, he urged the municipal corporation to provide gloves, shoes, and protective suits.