Amaravati Not Submerged in Floods: Minister Narayana

Vijayawada: Urban Development Minister P Narayana on Tuesday lashed out at YSR Congress leaders for their “misinformation campaign” of the capital Amaravati being submerged in floods.

“Stop weeping over Amaravati,” he advised them and warned that people would not tolerate false propaganda. During the day, the minister, accompanied by Amaravati development corporation CMD Lakshmi Parthasaradhi, inspected the areas where rainwater had accumulated due to an obstruction in the flow of Kondaveeti Vagu.

The minister said water-logging had occurred only after soil dumped during a bridge construction on the Vijayawada west bypass near E-11 Road blocked the natural course of the stream.

“During construction, soil was left behind near the bridge by the NH authorities, causing water to stagnate. This was confined only to fields in two villages. In other areas, rainwater drained away within a few hours,” he stated.

The minister issued on-the-spot instructions to deploy heavy machinery to remove the soil and make slight cuts along the highway shoulder to ensure smooth water flow.

Speaking to the media, Narayana flayed YSRC leaders for their claim that the iconic Amaravati structures were sinking. “Water collects in low-lying patches during rains. Does that mean the capital city or the iconic buildings are submerged? Stop misleading the people,” he said.

The minister reaffirmed that development works in Amaravati were progressing without interruption. “Housing quarters for officials and employees will be ready by March. Come and see Amaravati with your own eyes instead of spreading malicious rumours,” he advised the opposition leaders.