Civic body plans to widen canals to prevent flash floods

Nellore: Even as the city had faced severe difficulty with flash floods in November 2015, the Nellore Municipal Corporation is now planning to widen the canals for free flow of water under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme which would be completed by next year.

It may be recalled that several localities in the city were inundated under knee-deep water for more than 5 days because of heavy deluge and subsequent discharge from the Nellore tank. Majority canals in the city that carry floodwater have been encroached by the greedy population and traders giving nightmarish experience to the civic officials for managing the canal system during floods.

Highlights:

• Officials have proposed to take up works with Rs 2.5 cr under AMRUT scheme
• Nellore city faced severe flash floods in Nov 2015

Officials proposed to clear these encroached canals and there was huge resistance from the people. The encroachment removal drive conducted by the officials has been an eye wash as henchmen of politicos constructed structures violating the town planning norms.

Further, Municipal Administration Minister Narayana assured that they would relocate them soon after completing construction of housing for them in the areas of vicinity. But, still, the project yet to be accomplished. Meanwhile, administration resolved to widen the canals that connect Nellore tank with Pennar River at Pottepalem and the proposal has been lying for almost two years.

Engineering officials had sent a proposal to the Chief Engineer, Central Designs Organisaion few months after the floods in city.

The city has been included under AMRUT scheme which was being considered for cities that were not covered under smart city project and the tank renovation work including widening of canals at Pottepalem was brought under the scheme. It was proposed to close the surplus channel at Mulapet and widen the surplus system at Pottepalem by maintaining the level to ensure water discharge equal to both the canals together.

Officials concerned said bund strengthening works of Nellore tank are under progress with Rs 50 lakh and another Rs 2 crore was sanctioned to carryout balance work pertaining to bund strengthening and renovation of surplus canals which are expected to be completed by next year.

“Residents of Nellore have to bear brunt of flash floods for one more year as the weather conditions are not favourable this year. The civic officials have neglected the issue owing to pressure from the politicos of all parties who encouraged their aides to construct houses and shops on the canal,” said K Ranganayakulu from Mulapet area, who witnessed the flash floods.

By P V Prasad