Buildings built in the flood plains of rivers and water bodies obstructing water resulting in floods
File photo of houses constructed in river bed of Krishna river near Kanakadurgamma Varadhi in Vijayawada. -DC
Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh department of municipal administration has declared the floodplain areas in and around rivers and water bodies as no construction or restricted construction zones. Experts say that the decision is good but doubt whether it will be implemented by the administration. The government has instructed all commissioners of municipal corporations and municipalities to take steps to mitigate flooding in cities and towns.
It pointed out that buildings are being built in the flood plains of rivers and water bodies obstructing water resulting in floods. So to ensure the river retains its original course and to prevent floods the government said there is a need to designate floodplain areas in and around water bodies as no construction zone or restricted construction zone. The National Disaster Management Authority has prepared some guidelines on urban flooding and the precautions to be taken.
Occupation of flood plains and the disturbing of flows, indiscriminate disposal of solid waste, inefficiency or non-maintenance of infrastructure, land use changes like surface sealing due to urbanisation and deforestation must be avoided, the NDMA said. Dr P. Brahmaji Rao, HOD, department of environmental sciences in Acharya Nagarjuna University said, “The constructions in floodplains cause severe damage to people and property. In coastal areas it is suggested to notify up to 5 km as CRZ. In river areas, it is advised to keep 500 metres to 2,500 metres as Regulation Zone depending on the last 10 years flow rate of the river.
If the government seriously takes up the issue it will help in saving a lot of funds.” Vijayawada municipal commissioner C. Hari Kiran said, “The city administration is implementing guidelines since JNNURM was introduced. We removed houses in Bhramarambapuram and other areas which are in the floodplain area of the river. But the people are reconstructing huts again. The houses in Ramalin-geswara Nagar will be removed but politicians do not want it as a retaining wall has been sanctioned along the bund in the area.”
Tourism projects affected
The proposed river front capital and island tourism projects will be affected by the government instructions to restrict constructions on riverside to mitigate flood damage.
Environmental clearance should be taken for any construction in this zone.
Dr Abdul Rajak Moh-ammed, Dean and HOD, department of planning, institute of planning and architecture, Vijayawada said, “The Krishna River is perennial and we will have water flow around the year. When we start constructions along the river, it reduces the width and hinders free flow of water and it increases the speed. The high speed water weakens the construction and damages the buildings in its course in a short time.”
( Source : dc correspondent )
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