CM Naidu Issues Alert On Rain, Floods

Vijayawada:Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has stressed the need to monitor flood inflows from the rivers and continually provide updates to the low-lying areas that are prone to flooding.

In light of the ongoing heavy rainfall across the state, the CM held a review meeting with ministers and officials on Wednesday. It was attended by Vangalapudi Anitha, Nimmala Rama Naidu, Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand and senior officials from the disaster management, agriculture and water resources departments.

Weather department forecasts indicated continued heavy rainfall over the next few days.

The Chief Minister instructed officials to initiate precautionary steps. He emphasised the importance of continuous monitoring of flash floods in streams and tributaries of the Krishna river and ensuring timely alerts to downstream regions.

Officials informed the CM that floodwater inflows into the Krishna river may reach 5 lakh cusecs by Thursday. At present, 3.09 lakh cusecs were being discharged through 35 gates of the Prakasam barrage. An additional 5,000 cusecs have been released into the canals.

In response, the CM directed authorities to alert residents in the low-lying areas and make arrangements for their safe relocation. He was also informed that upstream gates at Nagarjunasagar and Pulichintala dams have been lifted.

Naidu called for immediate action to clear stagnant water from roads and low-lying urban areas.

He said incoming floodwaters from upstream areas should be diverted strategically, up to four TMC per day, to fill the Somasila and Kandaleru reservoirs. He stressed the need for efficient water management to prevent this valuable resource from draining into the sea.

The officials reported that heavy rains in upper regions like Mylavaram were contributing significant inflows into the Budameru and Velagaleru, and that these were being discharged into the Krishna river.

The CM was told that the Budameru diversion channel was being completed on a war footing.

As part of flood management efforts, the CM approved a release of `40 crore for construction of the Budameru–Velagaleru utility tunnel (UT).

The officials said floodwaters from Kondaveeti Vagu and Paala Vagu were being pumped into the Krishna river by four high-capacity pumps. To facilitate smooth water flow through the canals during the monsoon season, the CM asked the water resources department to clear silt and water hyacinth on a war footing.

Naidu also stressed the need to reinforce canal and tank embankments to prevent breaches. He asked district collectors to remain vigilant and provide real-time updates to farmers. Given the current rainfall conditions, the CM called for efforts to recharge groundwater levels.

The Chief Minister advised officials from the Panchayati Raj and forest departments to plan trenching locations strategically. Trench-digging should be undertaken under the MGNREGS, he said.