Tribals in Remote Rompilli Hamlets Plead for Safe Drinking Water

Tribals living in remote hamlets under Rompilli panchayat of Ananthagiri mandal in Alluri Sitharama Raju district on Tuesday appealed to the State government to immediately provide basic drinking water facilities to their villages.

The residents said they have been facing severe hardships for years due to the absence of safe and accessible drinking water sources. With no pipelines, borewells, or storage tanks in their habitations, families are forced to trek several kilometres through hilly and forest terrain every day to fetch water for drinking and household use.

Women, elderly persons, and children are said to be bearing the brunt of the crisis, often spending hours collecting water instead of attending school or carrying out livelihood activities. Villagers said the problem becomes more serious during the summer season when nearby sources dry up.

Highlighting the issue, CPI(M) leader K. Govinda Rao said the tribals depend on small natural streams flowing between rocks after walking long distances. He alleged that during the rainy season, the streams turn muddy and contaminated, leaving villagers with no choice but to consume unsafe water.

He said the continued use of polluted water has reportedly resulted in frequent illnesses and waterborne diseases among the tribal population. Despite repeated representations, no permanent solution has been provided so far, he added.

The villagers urged the authorities to take immediate steps to install borewells, overhead tanks, and piped water connections under government welfare schemes. They also sought regular maintenance of water facilities and timely intervention before the onset of the monsoon.

Local residents expressed hope that the administration would respond swiftly and ensure that tribal communities in the interior areas receive their basic right to safe drinking water.