KARIMNAGAR: Ramannapally, which was merged into Jammikunta municipality, is grappling with a severe drinking water crisis, particularly affecting nomadic families.
Around 60 families in the colony are facing acute water scarcity throughout the year, not just during the summer. With no adequate supply, they are forced to depend on the air valve sump of municipal pipelines — water typically used by cattle and stray animals.
Despite the unhygienic conditions, they carry the water over long distances on bicycles and shoulders due to a lack of alternatives.
Residents allege that municipal water is supplied only on alternate days, and sometimes after a gap of two days. Each family receives barely four to five pots of water, which is insufficient even for basic needs like drinking and cooking. For other daily requirements, they rely on distant and unsafe sources.
They bathe only on alternate days
“We have no other option,” said Balaiah, a resident, expressing helplessness over the situation. A young boy from the colony shared that due to water shortage, they bathe only on alternate days, prioritising drinking water and minimal personal use.
Meanwhile, local corporator Kolagani Raju stated that the families are residing in makeshift shelters on government land.
He added that the municipality has provided two tap connections for the colony. Some residents have been allotted houses under the Indiramma Housing Scheme, but they have not moved into them. The process of allotting Indiramma houses to others is underway.