Is the decision of Vijayawada as capital of Andhra Pradesh justified ??

Even before the state could recover from the worst ever devastation caused by Hud Hud tropical cyclone to the north coastal Andhra districts, inundation reported in the low laying areas of Krishna, Guntur, Kadapa and Prakasam is a cause of concern. Rainfall of 68.2 mm received over the weekend due to North-East monsoon lashed the city of Vijayawada had thrown life out of gear. The city declared as the new capital for the truncated state of Andhra Pradesh with its feeble infrastructure stands exposed by these incessant rains.  

Extreme weather conditions have become regular trend in India. Studies carried by Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology indicated that events with high rainfall (more than 100mm per day) and very heavy rainfall (more than 150 mm) have been on a rise while moderate events (5-100mm) have reduced. Meteorological data too spells a spike in the extreme weather events like intense droughts, floods of cyclones from an average just 2.5 events in 1900-09 to 350 in 2000-2010. Vijayawada located on banks of river Krishna is known to be flood prone.  A six month extensive study recently carried out by Climate Risk management in urban areas under disaster preparedness and mitigation programme of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) indicated that city is exposed to natural hazards like cyclonic winds, floods, rock fall, epidemics and heat wave. Against this background, the decision of the Andhra Pradesh government to build a new capital around Vijayawada is highly paradoxical.

Bitter over losing Cyber city of Hyderabad to Telangana, the new state of Andhra Pradesh displayed rejuvenated commitment to build a world class capital. Sivaramakrishnan committee assigned with task of identifying new capital recommended the region around Vijayawada. The report backed by the state cabinet reiterated that it received nearly 50% representations that favoured Vijayawada-Guntur regions. But soon there was ruckus in the political circles as majority believed that commercial interests outweighed other considerations while deciding the new capital. Vijayawada undoubtedly being equidistant from all corners of the state might qualify to be a capital. But the impassioned state decision of pooling nearly 1 lakh crore to transform this region into a resplendent capital will be a temerarious decision.

Undoubtedly, Vijayawada’s excellent rail and road connectivity make it the most accessible region. With the largest conglomeration of educational institutions in the state, it is hub of the higher learning too. But against these high potentialities, it suffers from serious handicaps making it a poor choice for the top notch honours. Recurrent floods, poor drainage and water logging have been perennial problems in this region. The treasured fertile alluvial soils suited for cultivation of rice, fruits and vegetables round the yea make it the golden bowl of Andhra Pradesh. Further, the high water table interlaced with extended network of irrigation in this region rewards farmers with high commercial returns holds a great promise for bountiful harvest. While our counterparts in the neighbouring state bereft of fertile soils and irrigation are resentful how prudent is it to bulldoze lush green fields under the lure of a concrete of jungles.

Incidentally these soils are not suited for high-rise constructions and a lateral spread of the city would gobble up the fertile lands, the priceless possession of this region. The region is reported to fall in the Zone 3 with propensity for earth quakes. Moreover high ground water in this region increases its propensity for quakes. The city is notorious for its slum culture and reports indicate that one out of four lives in slums in Vijayawada. Poor drainage can be a potential threat for the city as it becomes more populated.

Being the wealthiest region of the state, it has the potential to attract huge investments. Even vested interests with huge political clout are pitching in enthusiastically to develop this region.  But its reputation as crime capital and menace of trafficking might shunt it to be accorded the status of the hub of commercial activity of the Sunshine State. The fresh spell of 56mm rainfall in the city and neighbouring region received yesterday has nearly paralysed the normal life in the region. With a rise in water levels of Krishna River officials are contemplating on opening the gates of the Prakasam dam. Obviously the low lying areas are under the threat of the inundation. The chief minister promised the people of state to usher the state into a realm of prosperity and sustained growth. Unfortunately, the state government’s crucial decision regarding the new capital appears to be lopsided and inimical.

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