Born in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh, Valluri Kranthi's childhood dream of becoming an IAS officer became a reality in 2016 after graduating from IIT Delhi with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. As the Municipal Commissioner of Karimnagar, she steered the city's sanitation initiatives, driving transformative changes in the way the city managed its sanitation services.
Karimnagar, a city in Telangana, faced sanitation challenges until 2007 when plans for a comprehensive sewerage system began taking shape under the Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small & Medium Towns scheme. Kranthi's leadership ushered in a well-structured septage management mechanism, optimizing the capabilities of a Sewage Treatment Plant for co-treatment of faecal sludge.
Under her guidance, a City Level Sanitation Plan (CSP) was formulated in 2016, leading to a series of impactful initiatives. These included training of private septic tank cleaning operators and linking them to the ULBs, promoting responsible disposal practices. Additionally, a vibrant awareness campaign was launched to spread awareness about toilet usage and desludging, and operation and maintenance improvements, and an Auto Development Control Regulation process for toilet building approval were instituted, bolstering sanitation infrastructure.
Additionally, Kranthi's team established a 24x7 helpline and WhatsApp service for citizens to register complaints and request desludging services, ensuring swift redressal and feedback mechanisms. With a dedicated budget and comprehensive programs for marginalized communities, Karimnagar is positioned to achieve city-wide inclusive sanitation.
During the pandemic, Kranthi's focus on safeguarding sanitation workers was instrumental. She ensured that all 1300 workers were equipped with PPE kits and raincoats, backed by health check-ups and special financial incentives as a token of appreciation for their dedication. Championed by Kranthi's vision and leadership in executing ground-level measures, Karimnagar has taken big strides in city-wide inclusive sanitation.