Z. Jogampeta Tribals Face Water Crisis Amid Power Outages

Visakhapatnam: 64 families belonging to Konda Dora tribe in Z. Jogampeta village of Cheemalapadu panchayat in Ravikamatham mandal of Anakapalle district are facing a serious drinking water crisis due to power outages for the last two days.

Without electricity, the village’s water tank became unusable and residents were deprived of drinking water. Forced to give up their daily work, villagers trek to natural springs in Peddagadda or the remote Kalyanalova reservoir to get water, enduring hardships during the peak of summer.

The crisis worsened due to boreholes not working. Both boreholes in the village are not working and the local people are dependent on streams and springs during power outages. Villagers said the problem often reoccurs during the rainy season, when power outages halt water supply.

The disappointment led to protests on Sunday, with women including Kondapalli Nookaratnam, Chidipelli Govindamma and Jarny Tulasi spearheading the agitation.

“The electricity is cut off and we have no choice but to fetch water from springs to drink,” they said.

Residents said the burden largely falls on the shoulders of women who have to travel long distances to provide water to their families.

The villagers called on the authorities to provide a permanent solution, including installation of a functional borewell and ensuring reliable power supply. They said the lack of basic infrastructure was not just an inconvenience but also a denial of basic needs, leaving them vulnerable to recurring crises.