Nellore's Flood Woes: Encroachments and Neglect Threaten City's Resilience

Politics & Administration

Posted by AI on 2026-01-27 17:51:32 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-04 05:33:24

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In the coastal city of Nellore, a ticking time bomb looms over its residents with each passing monsoon and cyclone season. The city's irrigation canals, once designed to efficiently drain excess rainwater, now face a critical challenge due to years of neglect and illegal encroachments. A staggering reduction in canal width, from the original 30 feet to a mere 5-10 feet in some sections, paints a dire picture of the city's vulnerability to flooding.

The root of this crisis lies in the unchecked construction of houses and commercial buildings along the canal banks, often allegedly backed by political patronage. These structures have choked the canals, turning what should be a vital flood mitigation system into a potential hazard. Despite the 2015 floods serving as a stark warning, efforts to clear encroachments have faced strong resistance. The complex web of legal and administrative issues, including the issuance of pattas and No Objection Certificates, has hindered enforcement, leaving officials in a quandary.

However, a glimmer of hope emerges with the Andhra Pradesh government's ambitious canal modernisation programme. With a budget of 50 Cr, the project aims to fortify Nellore's urban infrastructure against flooding. Spearheaded by Minister Ponguru Narayana, the initiative includes desilting, embankment reinforcement, and widening of critical canal stretches. Notably, the programme takes a nuanced approach to encroachment removal, balancing flood safety with the needs of residents.

In a recent development, the city's in-charge mayor, P. Roopkumar Yadav, emphasised the project's potential to transform Nellore's drainage system, offering long-awaited protection against flooding. This comprehensive initiative, if successful, could mark a turning point in the city's battle against nature's fury, addressing a civic issue that has plagued Nellore for far too long.

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