Vijayawada: State govt is heading to initiate ‘Operation Budameru‘ to address the recurring floods caused by the Budameru rivulet in Vijayawada. The NTR district administration is preparing a comprehensive plan to conduct a detailed survey of the Budameru catchment area, remove encroachments, and implement measures to prevent future encroachments.
Historically referred to as the “Sorrow of Krishna” by the British, Budameru flows through Vijayawada, connecting several rivulets from Tiruvuru to Kolleru Lake in West Godavari. While typically inconspicuous, the rivulet submerges nearly 50% of Vijayawada during heavy floods.
In Sept this year, torrential rains caused by a low-pressure system led to Budameru overflowing, plunging the city into chaos. During the crisis, chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu supervised relief operations and directed the administration to find a permanent solution. This directive marked the beginning of ‘Operation Budameru’.
NTR district collector Lakshmi Shah, who recently assumed charge, emphasised that the project is a top priority.
“We will analyse survey numbers to identify encroached areas. A door-to-door survey will follow, ensuring the identification and resettlement of affected residents without disruption before clearing the encroachments,” he explained.
Shah also highlighted the need for structural improvements, saying,”Many embankments are inadequate, and encroachments have severely restricted Budameru’s flow. The channel must be widened, and future encroachments must be prevented. Vijayawada, as the face of the capital Amaravati, must be safeguarded from such inundations.”
Many people residing at Budameru bunda were volunteered to vacate the place if govt relocated them to the safe place.
Irrigation authorities are presently verifying the old records and assessing the trends of flood at Budameru from 1850’s. Authorities are also searching for suitable place to construct around 3,000 houses for the people residing at encroachments on Budameru bund.
