Andhra Pradesh cracks down on water safety after disease fears

The Government of Andhra Pradesh has mandated intensified monitoring of its urban water supply systems. This directive comes in response to sporadic cases of gastroenteritis and diarrhoeal illnesses reported across various urban local bodies. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu highlighted the critical nature of safe drinking water as a fundamental public service. He stressed the need for urgent action and accountability from all involved departments, warning that any public health lapses would be taken seriously.

In alignment with the Chief Minister's directions, senior officials convened to initiate a state-wide special drive. This initiative focuses on ensuring drinking water safety, addressing pipeline leakages, protecting vulnerable water infrastructure, enhancing chlorination processes, and improving drain maintenance. A strict 'zero tolerance' approach to negligence has been announced, with Municipal Commissioners held personally responsible for adhering to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for water quality. Immediate rectification of unsafe pipeline crossings and regular water quality monitoring, including chlorine testing, are now mandatory. Any suspected contamination will lead to immediate supply suspension and arrangement of alternative safe water sources, with weekly compliance reports required.