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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