Heavy rain leaves Pedda Vagu in spate

The Pedda Vagu stream in Nunna, near Vijayawada in the NTR district, overflowed dangerously onto the Nunna-Vikas College road near China Kanchi due to sudden heavy rainfall. This caused significant traffic disruptions between Nunna, Jagananna Colony, and Vikas College. The stream, which flows from Korsu Konda Hill to local irrigation tanks, overflowed after a heavy downpour on Monday at 5:50 PM, rendering the road impassable and stranding commuters and residents.
The overflow followed encroachments on the Pedda Vagu. Normally, the stream’s water would lead to local irrigation tanks; however, its course has been altered due to the construction of the Polavaram Right Main Canal. The encroachment has reduced the stream’s width, exacerbating flooding during heavy rains. Residents noted that such overflow events have become more frequent, causing disruptions whenever there is substantial rainfall in the hill areas.
The flooding impacted connections between Jagananna Colony, home to around 500 residents, and Nunna, as well as affecting the thousands of students attending the Vikas Group of Educational Institutions. More than 200 students and local farmers were stranded on the other side of the stream, with many others unable to return home after visiting Nunna village for essential supplies or work.
Upon receiving reports of the situation, the Nunna Rural Police quickly responded, preventing the public from attempting to cross the stream. Vijayawada Rural Mandal Revenue officials also arrived and advised people to stay away from the area until the water receded. Local authorities assured the public that the overflow would subside within two to three hours and that there was no immediate danger to Nunna village. Many farmers managed to return home with their livestock before the stream overflowed.
In response to the recurring flooding, residents have called for the construction of a bridge across Pedda Vagu near China Kanchi to prevent further disruptions. The Jagananna Colony, currently housing around 500 people but expected to accommodate over 10,000 households, would particularly benefit from such infrastructure. Residents have urged NTR district officials to take immediate action to address the issue and construct a bridge to ensure safe passage during future rains.