V'wada gets plan to get rid of frequent inundations

Vijayawada, Jan 8: The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation has decided to take steps to find a permanent solution to the frequent inundations of the Old City during the rainy season.A little rain and poor drainage marooned the old city for four days last year inviting the wrath of the then chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy. This prompted the officials to find an alternative solution to the recurring problem.The VMC appointed RV Associates of Hyderabad to study the problem and submit a report.

The report submitted on Friday suggested creation of a diversion channel from BRP Road in the Old City through a flyover linking it to the Krishna river.Municipal commissioner G Ravibabu has been apprised of the the details through a power point presentation by RV Associates engineer Prasad.The company studied that outfall drains under the railway tracks have been in a dilapidated condition. It also stressed the need to remove silt from drains and take up repairs immediately.

There is no other solution except digging a diversion channel to divert rain water to the Krishna river. The commissioner who gave them a patient hearing urged them to suggest alternative emergency plan in case of rains before taking up the diversion channel.The commissioner said he would take a decision on the report after discussing with the mayor and the corporators.