CM Naidu directs officials to use floodwater efficiently, strengthen embankments for heavy rainfall
Officials informed the CM that floodwater inflows into the Krishna River may reach 5 lakh cusecs by Thursday.
By Newsmeter Network
Amaravati: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu held a high-level review meeting with ministers and officials to assess the impact of the ongoing heavy rainfall across Andhra Pradesh.
Based on weather department forecasts indicating the likelihood of continued heavy rainfall over the next few days, the Chief Minister instructed officials to initiate precautionary measures. He emphasised the importance of continuously monitoring flash floods in streams and tributaries of the Krishna River and ensuring timely alerts to downstream regions.
Krishna River inflows may reach 5 lakh cusecs
Officials informed the CM that floodwater inflows into the Krishna River may reach 5 lakh cusecs by Thursday.
At present, 3.09 lakh cusecs are being discharged through 35 gates of the Prakasam Barrage. An additional 5,000 cusecs have been released into the canals.
In response, the CM directed authorities to alert residents in low-lying areas and make arrangements for their safe relocation. He was also informed that upstream gates at Nagarjunasagar and Pulichintala dams have been lifted. The CM instructed immediate action to clear stagnant water from roads and low-lying urban areas.
Utilise floodwater effectively
The CM directed that incoming floodwaters from upstream should be diverted strategicallyāup to four TMC per dayāto fill the Somasila and Kandaleru reservoirs. He stressed the need for efficient water management to prevent this valuable resource from draining into the sea.
Officials reported that heavy rains in upper regions like Mylavaram are contributing significant inflows into Budameru and Velagaleru, which are being discharged into the Krishna River.
The CM was briefed that the Budameru Diversion Channel is being completed on a war footing. As part of flood management efforts, the CM approved Rs 40 crore for the construction of the BudameruāVelagaleru utility tunnel (UT).
Strengthen embankments to prevent breaches
Officials informed the CM that floodwaters from Kondaveeti Vagu and Paala Vagu are being pumped into the Krishna River using four high-capacity pumps.
To facilitate smooth water flow through the canals during the monsoon season, the CM directed the Water Resources Department to clear silt and water hyacinth. He instructed that these works be undertaken immediately on a war footing.
The CM also stressed the need to reinforce canal and tank embankments to prevent breaches.
He directed district collectors to stay vigilant and provide real-time updates to farmers. Given the current rainfall conditions, the CM called for construction efforts to recharge groundwater levels. He advised officials from the Panchayati Raj and Forest Departments to plan trenching locations strategically. He also instructed that trench-digging be undertaken under the Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
