Mayor Urges Public to Join Swarna Andhra – Swachh Andhra Drive to Combat Monsoon Diseases

Mayor Peela Srinivasa Rao on Saturday called for widespread public participation in the “Swarna Andhra – Swachh Andhra” initiative, emphasizing the critical role of cleanliness and hygiene during the monsoon season to prevent the spread of diseases.

The launch event, held at the Simhachalam Devasthanam Pushkarini Koneru premises, brought together several key officials, including District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad and GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg. The program focused on the “Monsoon Hygiene” initiative, introduced in August to combat seasonal health challenges. Mayor Srinivasa Rao urged citizens to maintain cleanliness in their neighbourhoods and homes to reduce the risk of monsoon-related illnesses.

In his address, the Mayor highlighted the cultural and religious significance of the Pushkarini, a sacred spot where devotees traditionally bathe before seeking darshan of Lord Narasimha Swamy. He recommended that the Pushkarini be developed regularly with greenery to maintain its aesthetic appeal throughout the year, rather than focusing on beautification efforts only during the Teppotsavam festival.

Stressing the dangers of stagnant water and clogged drains during the monsoon, the Mayor warned of the increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases. He urged the public to avoid dumping garbage on roads or in drains, encouraging them to segregate waste and hand it over daily to GVMC vehicles. His message underscored the collective responsibility in maintaining the city’s cleanliness to prevent the spread of diseases such as malaria, dengue, and typhoid.

 

District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad echoed the Mayor’s sentiments, reinforcing the need for public involvement in cleanliness efforts. Under the slogan “Our Health – Our Responsibility,” he stressed the importance of awareness about both household and community hygiene. He also warned of the potential contamination of drinking water pipelines, which could lead to diarrheal outbreaks if not monitored carefully.

 

GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg lauded the Swarna Andhra – Swachh Andhra initiative as a crucial component in the city’s fight against seasonal diseases. He appealed to residents to avoid dumping waste in public places and emphasized the importance of proactive measures to keep neighbourhoods clean. With Vinayaka Chavithi around the corner, Garg also urged citizens to opt for eco-friendly clay idols for the festival and immerse them in the Pushkarini or at home to avoid water contamination.

 

The event saw the Mayor, Collector, and Commissioner administer the Swachh Andhra pledge to all participants, followed by the release of a Monsoon Hygiene poster. Saplings were planted around the Pushkarini, Gambusia fish were introduced into the pond for mosquito control, and eco-friendly clay Ganesh idols were distributed to promote sustainable celebrations.

Additionally, under the National Safai Karmachari Finance Development Corporation (NSKFDC) subsidy scheme, the Mayor handed over JCB and Chain Mounted JS-81 vehicles to beneficiaries. He also demonstrated the operation of a JCB to underscore its role in ongoing cleanliness drives.

The event was attended by GVMC Additional Commissioner D.V. Ramanamurthy, UCD Project Director P.M. Satyaveni, Zonal Commissioner B. Hemavathi, and other senior officials.