Pawan Kalyan reviews filariasis fight, Pushkar plans

Vijayawada: Deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan on Saturday conducted two key review meetings, focusing on the successful containment of a long-standing filariasis crisis in Pedapenki village of Parvathipuram Manyam district and preparations for environmentally sustainable Godavari Pushkaralu.Reviewing the situation in Pedapenki through a video conference with district officials, Pawan Kalyan said the village’s filariasis problem first came to his attention in 2018 and deeply disturbed him. The disease spread extensively due to stagnant sewage caused by social divisions and drainage blockages within the village. At one stage, 197 filariasis cases were reported, drawing national attention.The deputy chief minister said the coalition govt made the village a priority after assuming office and worked with officials from multiple departments to address the root causes of the crisis. Encroachments on drainage channels were cleared, awareness campaigns were conducted, and infrastructure improvements were taken up using Rs 6.18 crore under MGNREGS funds.As part of the initiative, 20 “magic drains” and several CC roads were constructed to ensure proper drainage and prevent water stagnation. The measures have significantly reduced mosquito breeding and disease incidence. Pawan Kalyan praised the district administration for convincing all sections of the village to support the development works and announced that he would personally visit Pedapenki soon.In a separate review meeting on Godavari Pushkaralu preparations, the deputy chief minister directed officials to transform all 268 gram panchayats associated with the festival into model panchayats. He stressed that not even a drop of untreated sewage should enter the Godavari River and called for the creation of “Zero Liquid Discharge” panchayats through improved drainage systems and widespread use of magic drains.Pawan Kalyan also outlined plans to develop the Muni Koodali ghat near Seethanagaram into a national-level model Pushkar ghat. Renamed Saptarshi Pushkar Ghat, the facility will be upgraded with modern amenities, improved temple infrastructure, parking facilities, and enhanced pilgrim services ahead of the next Godavari Pushkaralu. He said he would personally inspect the site after the upcoming Cabinet meeting and review the progress of development works.