District Collector and Special Officer of the Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) C. M. Sai Kanth Varma on Wednesday directed civic authorities to develop safer and aesthetically designed road junctions across the city while strictly adhering to engineering standards in all infrastructure works.

Accompanied by GMC Commissioner K. Mayur Ashok, the Collector inspected key roads and junctions in Guntur, including Hindu College Junction, B.R. Naidu Junction, Collectorate Junction, Three Statues Junction, Chuttugunta Junction and Medical Club Junction. He also reviewed landscaping proposals for VIP Road.

Later, during a review meeting held at the GMC conference hall, officials examined proposals prepared by representatives of Andhra Pradesh Urban Infra and Asset Management Ltd. through a PowerPoint presentation. The Collector instructed officials to ensure that junctions are scientifically designed with proper tabletop crossings, traffic-friendly layouts, designated spaces for high-mast lighting and traffic signals, and aesthetically developed fountains with adequate supporting infrastructure.

Emphasising the need for long-term urban planning, Mr. Sai Kanth Varma said roads should not be dug up for at least two years after construction. He directed officials to coordinate in advance with departments and agencies requiring cable or utility works and ensure completion of underground drainage, pipelines and CCTV installations before road-laying works are taken up.

The Collector stressed that no hanging wires should be visible at road junctions and called for uniform footpaths, green belts, shade-giving trees, scientifically planned street lighting and proper signage along cobblestone pathways.

Reviewing drinking water supply and sanitation measures, he asserted that not a single diarrhoea case should occur in the city and ordered an immediate audit of pipelines to prevent contamination. He warned that engineering officials would be held accountable for polluted water supply and instructed authorities to intensify anti-larval measures, including the release of gambusia fish in stagnant water bodies to curb mosquito breeding.