Minister Ponguleti Calls for Ward-Level Accountability in Khammam Municipality

Telangana Revenue and Housing Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy has urged municipal representatives to remain closely connected with citizens and address civic issues on priority, stressing that public office is a responsibility rooted in service rather than authority. He was speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of Pokabattini Anita , who assumed charge as the new Municipal Chairperson of Yedulapuram, held at the municipal office in Pedda Thanda, Khammam Rural.

Addressing newly elected councillors, the minister emphasized that accessibility to residents is the foremost duty of elected representatives. While political differences are natural during elections, he said that after victory, representatives must rise above party lines and function as true public servants. He noted that public trust is strengthened through visible grassroots work and continuous engagement with citizens.

To reinforce accountability, Ponguleti directed councillors to spend at least two hours daily, five days a week touring their wards. He urged them to interact directly with residents, understand local issues, and pursue timely solutions. According to him, proactive public representatives help improve administrative efficiency by encouraging officials and civic staff to perform more effectively. He reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Yedulapuram into a model municipality , reflecting the state’s broader push for stronger urban governance and improved civic services.

With summer approaching, the minister instructed officials to take preventive steps to ensure there are no drinking water shortages . He also stressed the need to prevent wastewater stagnation and ordered war-footing action against encroachments on drainage channels , noting that blocked drains can lead to flooding and health hazards. He announced that a review meeting will be held within 15 days and asked councillors to develop a comprehensive understanding of ward-level problems before the review.

The minister’s directives come amid renewed emphasis on strengthening urban local bodies and improving service delivery in rapidly growing municipalities. Telangana’s urban governance reforms have focused on sanitation, drinking water access, drainage management, and citizen engagement as essential components of sustainable urban development.

Following the municipal programme, Ponguleti attended a housewarming ceremony of a beneficiary under the Indiramma housing scheme in Satyanarayanapuram. He congratulated the family on moving into their new home and presented ceremonial gifts, underscoring the state government’s continued focus on housing support for economically weaker sections.

Councillors, local public representatives, and community leaders participated in the day’s events, which highlighted the importance of responsive leadership, civic accountability, and welfare-oriented governance at the municipal level.