A.P. Minister Narayana inspects Kondaveeti Vagu, blames mismanagement for flooding

Andhra Pradesh Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister P. Narayana on Friday (August 22) inspected the Kondaveeti Vagu near Neerukonda in the capital region following waterlogging concerns and dismissed allegations of poor planning.

Speaking to reporters, the Minister said vested interests were spreading misinformation without understanding the facts. He explained that under the West Bypass Bridge, the stream should have had a 25-foot-deep flow channel, but it was completely silted up. As a result, rainwater backed up, causing temporary flooding.

Officials, he noted, acted promptly by breaching a section of the road to release the water, which drained out within 24 hours. “The problem arose only because silt was not removed before the rains. Otherwise, the water would have flowed without obstruction,” Mr. Narayana said.

He further stated that the Dutch-designed canal and reservoir system for Amaravati, which can withstand heavy floods without difficulty. However, a private company had laid a road across the stream to access its office, worsening the situation.

The Minister directed officials to ensure precautionary measures during construction works to avoid similar incidents. “Those trying to stall Amaravati’s progress will only face public rejection,” he warned.