Plea for road construction in Mopuru SC Colony: Villagers struggle for basic needs !!!
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu : Bureau Chief-South
Andhra Pradesh:- (Ground Report) In SC Colony of Mopuru Velampally Panchayat, Dakkili mandal, Tirupati District, villagers are facing severe challenges due to the poor condition of the main road. For over 33 years, residents have struggled to access essential services, with 100 families, pregnant women, schoolchildren, and elderly people navigating dangerous conditions daily.
Villagers’ desperate call for action
Villagers Balli Ravindra, Pindi Ramesh, Jorepalli Srinivasulu, Musaluru Rajamohan, Yallanti Sivakrishna, Kotha Sundaraiah, Eeri Venkateswarlu, Sanganapalli Ratnayya, Jorepalli Dashaiah, and Gurram Penchalaya have voiced their concerns, highlighting the life-threatening hazards they face for 33 years. The road, which becomes nearly impassable during rains, is riddled with mud, causing bikers to slip and posing a risk from snakes and scorpions, particularly at night, they told War-Times.
The community’s reliance on this road for accessing essential services like healthcare, and education underscores the urgent need for a permanent solution. Especially, the children, the elderly and the pregnant women are facing troubles. The Zilla Parishad High School, attended by around 300 children, is one of the many critical facilities affected by the poor road conditions.
Permanent solution in near future
Panchayat Raj Assistant Engineer (Porjects) Rahiman assured that the new government prioritizes rural infrastructure. He has pledged to personally visit the SC Colony, conduct a comprehensive survey, and ensure the construction of a proper road in the area.
“An estimate of Rs 82 lakh has been made for laying a 2.53-km road. Some work was initiated, but unfortunately halted in 2021 for unknown reasons. We are committed to rectifying this and providing a durable solution,” Rahiman told War-Times.
Lack of bus facility and cemetery access
According to the villages, for the past eight years, the residents of Mopuru SC Colony have been without a bus facility, severely limiting their mobility and access to essential services. Additionally, the lack of a proper road to the cemetery has compounded their hardships, making it difficult for families to perform last rites for their loved ones.
The absence of public transportation is forcing villagers to rely on personal vehicles or walk long distances for their daily needs. The poor road conditions have only exacerbated these challenges, with the path becoming nearly impassable during the rainy season. The residents’ plea for a bus service highlights the critical need for better connectivity to support their basic needs and improve their quality of life.
The cemetery access issue underscores the broader infrastructure deficiencies in the area. Villagers are forced to navigate treacherous paths to reach the cemetery, often carrying coffins through mud and grown fields. This lack of dignified access for final rites is a significant concern for the community, reflecting the urgent need for comprehensive infrastructure improvements.
Government’s focus on rural infrastructure
The new government has emphasized the importance of developing rural infrastructure, particularly major roads, to enhance the quality of life in villages. The efforts to establish reliable transportation networks are crucial for ensuring that rural communities have access to essential services and opportunities.
By addressing these transportation and accessibility issues, the government can significantly enhance the well-being of Mopuru SC Colony’s residents, ensuring they have the means to connect with the wider region and honour their cultural practices with dignity.
In the case of Mopuru SC Colony, the villagers’ plea for a safe, accessible road and other basic needs, reflects a broader need for consistent and comprehensive infrastructure development across rural Andhra Pradesh. The government’s commitment to these initiatives offers hope for the residents of Mopuru and similar communities striving for a better future.