Guntur: In the face of unprecedented challenges brought on by heavy rainfall due to Cyclone Michaung, a massive cleanliness drive is being undertaken in Guntur city in Andhra Pradesh, thanks to the efficient management and proactive measures implemented by Chekuri Keerthi, a 2016-batch IAS officer. Her strategic initiatives, include deploying sanitation workers and releasing Gambusia fish, aimed to prevent diseases.

As Commissioner of Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC), Keerthi has demonstrated exceptional leadership in addressing the aftermath of Cyclone Michaung. Her background as an engineer from prestigious IIT Madras has contributed to her strategic and methodical approach.

Under her guidance, a massive sanitation drive has been initiated, covering all 57 divisions organised into 22 sanitary divisions by the malaria division of GMC.

This comprehensive effort involves the strategic deployment of sanitation workers for regular cleaning and unclogging operations throughout the city, with a clear focus on minimising water stagnation to prevent the outbreak of diseases.

One notable initiative spearheaded by Commissioner Keerthi is the release of Gambusia fish into stagnant water bodies. This measure aims to control larvae and combat diseases associated with the prolonged monsoon season. Keerthi is focussing on prevention of waterborne and vector-borne diseases, particularly in areas prone to rainwater stagnation.

In a recent review meeting with the Medical Health Officer (MHO) and sanitary supervisors, Commissioner Keerthi instructed officials to expedite water clearance efforts and promptly undertake silt removal to curtail the spread of seasonal diseases.

Simultaneously, the GMC officials, guided by Keerthi's efficient management style, are actively urging the public to consume clean boiled drinking water as a precautionary measure against waterborne diseases.

Despite persistent challenges posed by untidy vacant lands with stagnant water and overgrown plants, Commissioner Keerthi has directed proactive measures.

Official reports indicate the presence of over 12,000 vacant lands in the city, many left unattended for years. In response, GMC has issued directives to landowners, urging them to undertake cleaning activities, maintain tidiness, and imposing additional taxes on negligent owners. Although results have not met expectations, the commitment to cleanliness and disease prevention remains a top priority under Keerthi's leadership.

Residents have raised concern over the challenges posed by stagnant water and weed plants in vacant lands near residential areas, leading to a mosquito menace.

While initial civic instructions prompted a cleaning drive by the landowner, including the removal of overgrown plants and leveling with sand, the problem resurfaced after a few months.

The city of Guntur is witnessing a commendable effort to not only combat the immediate challenges brought on by Cyclone Michaung but also to build a resilient and hygienic environment under the efficient management of Commissioner Chekuri Keerthi.