The recent floods in Vijayawada have highlighted the repercussions of encroachment on natural water bodies. The flood on August 31, which severely impacted over half of Vijayawada, primarily affected the Budameru Rivulet.
Budameru, a small rivulet originating in Khammam district of Telangana, traverses the NTR district before flowing into Kolleru Lake in Eluru. Kolleru Lake, in turn, drains into the Bay of Bengal via the Upputeru River, which serves as the lake’s only outlet channel.
The rivulet is crucial as it collects excess water from agricultural fields, streams, and other water bodies. However, encroachments along the entire route from Budameru Rivulet to Upputeru have obstructed the natural flow and hindered flood management.
Maintaining Upputeru is essential to prevent backflow and manage flood risks, but it too faces encroachment issues. Ramanjaneyulu GV from the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture in Hyderabad discussed the factors contributing to the floods in an interview with Usha Peri.
What were the primary factors that led to the floods in Vijayawada?
The flooding in Vijayawada resulted from a combination of factors. Unusually heavy rainfall, far exceeding the typical amounts, was a significant issue. Infrastructure such as drains is designed based on expected rainfall, but an extreme increase from 2 cm to 34 cm can overwhelm any system.
The floods also reflect broader issues related to climate change. Despite experiencing its impacts over the past five to six years, the issue hasn't been addressed with adequate seriousness.
Additionally, encroachments into natural waterways have caused blockages, disrupting the natural flow of water. Without efforts to remove these blockages, which were not frequently addressed due to infrequent natural calamities, the heavy rainfall led to significant overflow. Effective flood management could have been improved by addressing these encroachments.
Furthermore, the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasts from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) play a role. While weather is inherently unpredictable, other private systems provide better forecasts, raising questions about the IMD's performance.
How have encroachments contributed to the flooding?
Encroachments have exacerbated the flooding problem by obstructing natural water flow. As cities expand, both unofficial and official encroachments block waterways and alter their paths. A decentralized approach to development could help mitigate these issues.
How have urban planning mistakes worsened the effects of climate change in cities?
Urban areas are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as the "heat island" phenomenon, where concrete structures increase temperatures and create a heat vacuum. Poor urban planning, encroachments, and landscape alterations compound these problems. Responsible development practices are crucial to address these issues effectively.
How should the government address encroachments and silt buildup in the Budameru River to prevent flooding?
To prevent future flooding, the government needs to regularly plan and understand the catchment areas of water bodies. Addressing encroachments, dredging silt from rivers and lakes, and assessing water flow impacts from urbanization are vital steps. For instance, Bhavani Island formed due to silt buildup, reducing reservoir capacity. Regular dredging is necessary but often neglected. Both short-term measures, like clearing encroachments and dredging, and long-term strategies, including understanding land use changes and climate impacts, are essential for effective flood management.