‘Operation Budameru’ in city

Minister for Municipal Administration & Urban Development (MA & UD), P Narayana, has announced the launch of ‘Operation Budameru,’ a government effort aimed at removing encroachments along the Budameru Rivulet in Vijayawada. These encroachments have led to flooding in several areas, including Ajith Singh Nagar, Payakapuram, KV Kandrika, Prakash Nagar, Jakkampudi, Devi Nagar, and Paipula Road.
Minister Narayana visited the flood-affected areas on Tuesday and instructed the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) officials to take immediate action to drain water from low-lying areas. He oversaw the dewatering and silt removal operations in the outfall drains, inspecting the flooded regions and guiding staff in water evacuation efforts.
The minister reviewed the floodwater flowing over the Vijayawada-Nuzvid Road and supervised the breaching of roads to release stagnant floodwater in areas such as KV Kandrika, Rajivnagar, Payakapuram, and Prakash Nagar on Monday night.
Speaking to the media, Minister Narayana revealed that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has approved the removal of encroachments in the Budameru catchment area. Over the years, several individuals have constructed homes and commercial buildings on Budameru land, causing flooding issues.
In line with the CM’s directions, the government will make alternative arrangements for those affected before removing the encroachments. Narayana highlighted that if current regulations under the Municipal Act are inadequate, the government may introduce new legislation to address the Budameru encroachments.
He also mentioned that 32 of the 64 divisions under the VMC’s jurisdiction have been submerged due to Budameru flooding. The government aims to remove all stagnant floodwater by Wednesday, September 11. After this, household surveys will be conducted to record property losses, even if homeowners are not present during the survey.
Additionally, Minister Narayana noted that around 10,000 sanitation workers from various municipal corporations across the state are working to improve the city’s sanitation. So far, water has been cleared from 26 divisions, with efforts ongoing to address the remaining areas.