Mancherial beautification row: Civic officials, elected representatives draw criticism for squandering public money

Officials in Mancherial are under criticism for allegedly misusing public funds after demolishing sculptures at key traffic islands, which were part of a 2022 beautification project. Costing around Rs 4 crore each, the installations included replicas of national symbols and were well-received by locals.

Mancherial: Officials of the Mancherial Municipal Corporation and local elected representatives are facing sharp criticism for allegedly wasting public money by altering designs and sculptures at four prominent traffic islands in the town.

As part of a beautification initiative taken up in 2022, sculptures on themes such as a replica of the Indian Parliament, a handloom weaver, and the Indian Armed Forces were installed at Laxmi Talkies, Bellampalli Venkateshwara, and IB Chowrastas. Each installation reportedly cost around Rs. 4 crore.

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The project was driven by the then Additional Collector (Local Bodies) B Rahul, who personally proposed and supervised the work. The installations enhanced the town’s night-time ambience and became popular selfie spots for young people and visitors alike.

However, civic officials recently razed the sculptures overnight, replacing the Parliament replica at IB Chowk with a smaller version. They claimed the changes were based on a resolution passed by the corporation’s governing council and said new sculptures would soon be installed at the remaining junctions.

Critics, however, allege the modifications are both wasteful and hazardous. “Beautification was undertaken without widening roads. These junctions have witnessed fatal accidents, including the deaths of two youngsters,” a traffic police official said.

Local MLA K Premsagar Rao had earlier criticised the junction designs and promised changes if elected. Civic officials now face allegations of bowing to his pressure.

“Public money was squandered by demolishing and redesigning the islands instead of focusing on road widening, especially as the Venkateshwara Chowk–Srinivas Gardens stretch is being developed into a six-lane road,” said social activist Thula Madusudan.

BRS councillor Ankam Naresh pointed out that despite the MLA’s assurance to reduce junction widths, they were completely torn down. “Officials yielded to political pressure. People are watching these irrational decisions,” he remarked.