Mulugu: Focus on hygiene, says Karnan

Medaram (Mulugu): Sanitation and hygiene is our priority, Mulugu in-charge Collector RV Karnan said. "All the arrangements have been in place for the conduct of Sammakka Saralamma jatara. Our focus is on ensuring hygienic condition at Medaram besides providing drinking water to the devotees," he said. With majority of devotees to stay under the shade of trees and makeshift tents, it was going to be a herculean task for the administration to ensure hygienic conditions in the jatara. It may be mentioned here that more than one crore devotees are expected to turn to Medaram during the four-day jatara, scheduled to commence on Wednesday (February 5).

Karnan said that 3,450 sanitation workers have been deputed to keep the jatara surroundings clean. All that garbage collected in the jatara would be shifted to 300 mini dumping yards located around Medaram using the Swachh auto-rickshaws. This apart, the administration has formed teams to collect plastic material from the devotees, he said, appealing to people not to carry plastic bags.

"As part of security measure, we have deployed 300 expert swimmers alongside the Jampannavagu (stream). We have installed 538 battery of taps and 44 infiltration wells," he said. Karnan said that entire Medaram area has been divided into 38 sectors and they will be monitored round the clock by 700 officials in three shifts. He urged the people to cooperate with the administration for the peaceful conduct of the jatara.

Superintendent of Police Sangram Singh G Patil urged the motorists not to follow the lane driving besides desisting themselves from overtaking other vehicles. ITDA project officer Chakradhar Rao and I&PR Director DS Jagan.