Vijayawada civic body clears drains, canals ahead of monsoon

Vijayawada: With the monsoon approaching, the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) has intensified desilting and drain-clearing operations across the city to prevent waterlogging and flooding in low-lying areas.

Acting on the directions of municipal commissioner Dhyan Chandra, civic authorities have launched a special drive to remove water hyacinth and other obstructions from major outfall drains. As part of the exercise, accumulated water hyacinth was cleared from a major outfall drain near Kandrika Junction on the Inner Ring Road under the supervision of executive engineer Gopalakrishna Murthy.

Officials said the drive is being carried out across all major canals and drains within the municipal limits under the guidance of chief engineer (in-charge) P Satyakumari. The objective is to ensure the free flow of stormwater during the rainy season and minimise the risk of inundation in vulnerable localities.

The executive engineer said engineering teams are conducting regular inspections of drains and canals and taking up necessary maintenance works on a priority basis. He said the corporation has taken preventive measures well ahead of the monsoon to ensure that water does not stagnate in any part of the city.

The civic body is also focusing on strengthening sanitation and drainage management systems to minimise inconvenience to residents during periods of heavy rainfall. Officials said the drain-cleaning operations will continue in the coming weeks as part of the city’s monsoon preparedness plan.

The VMC has urged residents to cooperate with civic authorities and avoid dumping waste into drains, which often leads to blockages and aggravates flooding during rains.