No solution in sight for the sanitation problem on this Autonagar road

Ramalayam Road in Vijayawada plagued by poor sanitation, open drains, and lack of maintenance causing inconvenience to residents.

Even as the State government emphasises on a cleaner environment for a healthier future, the Ramalayam Road, connecting the Autonagar bus terminal to Eluru Road, in Vijayawada has always remained in shambles.

The Ramalayam Road, flanked by industries on either side, has become notorious for poor sanitation. A big open drain borders the road on the one side, while trucks are parked on the other, leaving a narrow stretch for the road users.

V. Rama Rao, a resident of Murali Nagar, says that last week, an auto fell into the drain. Workers and residents complain of unbearable stench, piling garbage and open drains becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes. “The stretch from the terminal till the point where the Mahanadu Road joins the Ramalayam Road has always been worse. Not many people use the road, since it is never in a good shape. Moreover, we worry about our vehicles getting damaged,” says Mr. Rama Rao. But for those who work here, there is no alternative.

Many people do not know whom to approach to get their concerns addressed. While some believe the municipal corporation has to take responsibility, others say the area comes under the purview of the Industrial Area Local Authority (IALA).

Former Chairman, IALA, S. Durga Prasad, says it is a Zilla Parshad Road. “But, despite it not belonging to us, we spent lakhs on developing the road. We also began the work on narrowing down width of the drain, then 300 metres, and putting a slab on it between 2014 and 2019. The work came to a halt during the previous regime,” Mr. Durga Prasad said, adding that the IALA approached the District Collector, Municipal Commissioner and others in the past regarding the sanitation issue on this stretch, but in vain.  

Moreover, due to its geographical location, the drains of Autonagar are filled with filth from 14 surrounding colonies. They all get collected here, and despite our efforts to desilt and clean them, the situation goes back to normal, he said.