UGD works in Srikakulam, a non-starter

Srikakulam: The underground drainage (UGD) system is essential for Srikakulam town to prevent inundation and maintain hygiene. But the proposal for underground drainage has been remaining on papers for the past eight years. In 2009, underground drainage was proposed for Srikakulam district head-quarters at an estimated cost of Rs 80 crore under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). At that time an agency from Uttar Pradesh State conducted a survey across Srikakulam and the government had paid Rs 80 lakh to the agency as consultancy charges under Andhra Pradesh Urban Services for Poor (APUSP) scheme. The proposals were kept pending till 2013. Later, an integrated open drain was proposed at an estimated cost of Rs 103.95 crore in 2013. But it was also kept in cold storage.

In 2014, again Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu had assured UGD for Srikakulam. Based on the assurance, proposals were prepared at an estimated cost of Rs 150 crore to cover all important roads, colonies and junctions in the town to avoid inundation and water stagnation. The officials also proposed seven pumping stations for UGD at low lying colonies across the town.

During every rainy season, low lying colonies at Illisupuram, Mahalaxminagar, Vamsadhara Colony, Visakha-A, Visakha-B, DCCBE Colonies and Balaga will submerge in rain water. Recently, Rs 28 crore funds were allotted for UGD under Amrut Scheme, which was sponsored by the Central government, which is a meagre amount and efforts have not been made to start and execute works.