Rajahmundry: Mandapeta municipality in East Godavari district is a pleasant mix of rural peace and urban facilities. A thriving municipal area, Mandapeta is a hub of agriculture-based industries and rice and paper mills. Spread over 21.65 square kilometres, the area provides employment to thousands of people from surrounding villages.
Mandapeta became a grade three municipality in 1958. The area had a population of 15,000 at the time. Vegulla Veerraju who was the sarpanch at the time was elected as the first chairman of Mandapeta municipality in 1959. In 1987, Mandapeta became a grade two municipality.
While the urban local body has prospered over the decades, there are several problems that need to be addressed. Traffic is a major problem as roads have not expanded in tandem with the growing population. Air pollution is a major problem due to the presence of rice mills. The lack of a compost yard and mosquito menace are other issues facing the area.
The municipal area is set to see a contest between YSRC and TDP for the municipal chairperson post which is reserved for BC woman. Jana Sena too is trying to project its strength. TDP has been in power at Mandapeta since 1995. YSRC is leaving no stone unturned to win the polls this time.