*TDP Coalition negligence triggers water crisis in Visakhapatnam: KK Raju*

Visakhapatnam, Sept 15:  YSRCP Visakhapatnam District President KK Raju blamed the TDP coalition government’s negligence for the severe drinking water crisis in the city. He demanded immediate action and warned that the party would lay siege to the GVMC Commissionerate if the problem was not resolved within four days.

Addressing the media at the YSRCP district office, KK Raju said the TDP government failed to prepare for the water shortage despite clear warnings about poor rainfall. No timely steps were taken to desilt or improve storage in the Mudasarlova, Tatipudi, Raiwada, Gambheeram and Meghadrigedda reservoirs, he said.

Residents in several areas are receiving water only once in three days. People are forced to wait near taps, while disputes over water have also been reported. Madhurawada, Pothinamallayyapalem and Akkayyapalem are among the worst-affected areas.

KK Raju alleged that private tankers were exploiting the crisis by charging between ₹3,000 and ₹5,000 per load. He also demanded an inquiry into allegations that GVMC tankers marked for free drinking-water supply were collecting money from residents.

“Chandrababu Naidu is publicising himself as a ‘Water Man’, but ‘Quarter Man’ suits him better. While people struggle for drinking water, his government is focused on expanding bars, wine shops and belt shops,” he said.

He questioned what Visakhapatnam had gained from the government’s publicity over Polavaram and Godavari water. He demanded adequate water supply to every colony, action against the water mafia and a probe into the diversion of water to industries and data centres.