The severe flooding in Vijayawada, sparked by breaches in the Budameru rivulet, underscores longstanding issues of government neglect and ineffective solutions. Despite repeated flooding of farmland and residential areas, the State government still lacks comprehensive data on encroachments along the drain. Historical protests dating back to 1956, including recommendations from expert committees, have largely been ignored.
Illegal developments on Budameru’s floodplains have flourished due to tacit government approval, exacerbated by rapid urbanization. In recent floods, the Budameru reclaimed its floodplains, causing extensive damage and highlighting the inadequacy of existing infrastructure, including a failed diversion channel.
Flood management systems are insufficient, as shown by the Polavaram Right Canal’s inability to handle the unexpected water volume. The Budameru catchment area’s excessive rainfall has overwhelmed local reservoirs, forcing the release of floodwaters into the city. The Water Resources Department (WRD) has been criticized for ignoring encroachments, with officials admitting they lack current data.
Efforts to address the issue, such as the modernisation of the Budameru canal, have stalled, and political infighting has impeded long-term solutions. Despite decades of promises and proposals, the encroachments persist, and the flood victims continue to suffer with no immediate resolution in sight.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/budameru-flood-crisis-tracing-the-causes-of-a-catastrophe/article68638554.ece
Category : Vijayawada
Tags:
