In a decisive move amid a public health crisis, the Andhra Pradesh government has suspended the Srikakulam Municipal Commissioner following a severe diarrhea outbreak that has gripped the city. The outbreak has claimed one life and sent dozens to hospitals, exposing critical lapses in urban sanitation and water management.
Officials confirmed that Commissioner Kurma Rao faces suspension charges of negligence in handling the epidemic. The order came directly from Municipal Administration Principal Secretary Suresh Kumar, signaling the state’s zero-tolerance stance on administrative failures during health emergencies.
Reports indicate the outbreak has affected multiple neighborhoods in Srikakulam over recent days. District Collector Swapnil Dinkar Pundkar revealed that health teams have identified 76 suspected cases so far. Of these, 54 patients remain under treatment in various hospitals, with one fatality—a patient already battling comorbidities. Two others are on ventilator support, and medical personnel are monitoring them closely around the clock.
Investigations into the source are underway, with water samples collected from affected areas sent to labs in Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam. Preliminary tests from the local facility showed no contamination, but results from Visakhapatnam are pending, keeping authorities on edge.
The health department has responded swiftly by setting up medical camps in vulnerable zones. The state government has also pledged to cover treatment costs for patients admitted to private hospitals, aiming to ease the burden on affected families.
Political tensions have flared as YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leaders, including former ministers Dharmana Krishna Das, Dharmana Prasad Rao, and Dr. Seediri Appala Raju, toured the impacted areas. They met with families, assessed ground realities, and squarely blamed the ruling state government for the crisis.
YSRCP leaders alleged contaminated drinking water as the primary culprit behind the spread. They contested official figures, claiming four deaths instead of one and highlighting ongoing treatments in both government and private facilities. Accusing the administration of downplaying pre-existing conditions to evade responsibility, they painted a picture of systemic neglect.
Dharmana Prasad Rao pointed to 61 diarrhea cases over the past 20 months, including incidents in government schools and hostels, terming it a glaring sign of administrative breakdown. He demanded immediate relief measures and Rs 25 lakh compensation for each affected family.
Dr. Seediri Appala Raju criticized the government for ignoring early media warnings and underreporting deaths. The opposition has called for a high-level probe, accountability from officials, and urgent steps to ensure safe drinking water supplies.
As the situation unfolds, residents await concrete actions to prevent further escalation, underscoring the vital need for robust public health infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh’s urban centers.