Tribals in Ananthagiri demand safe drinking water access

Tribals of remote hamlets in Rompilli panchayat of Ananthagiri mandal, in Alluri Sitharama Raju district on Tuesday urged the State government to provide basic drinking water facility to their villages. Facing severe hardships due to lack of access to safe drinking water, the tribals said that they were forced to walk miles through difficult terrain to fetch water.

Bringing the issue to light, CPI(M) leader K. Govinda Rao said that the after walking several kilometres, the tribals collect water from small natural streams flowing between rocks. During heavy rains, the situation worsens as they are left with no option but to consume muddy and contaminated water, he alleged. This has led to frequently health issues reportedly due to waterborne diseases, he said.