Godavari Riverfront Works Endanger City Safety, Alleges YSRCP

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has intensified its attack on the NDA government in Andhra Pradesh, alleging that the ongoing Godavari River Front Project is being executed without adequate safeguards, putting the city's flood protection infrastructure at risk. Citing the rising water levels in the Godavari River, the opposition party warned that it would approach the Andhra Pradesh High Court if authorities fail to address the alleged lapses in embankment protection.

Inspecting the riverfront works near the Markandeya Swamy Temple, YSRCP National Spokesperson and Rajamahendravaram City constituency in-charge Margani Bharat Ram questioned officials over the use of sandbags to strengthen vulnerable sections of the river bund. He argued that temporary reinforcement measures reflected poor planning, especially with the Godavari flowing at the second warning level during the peak monsoon season.

Recalling previous flood events when massive volumes of water were discharged through the Sir Arthur Cotton (Dowleswaram) Barrage, Bharat Ram warned that any damage to the Godavari embankment or Bund Road could pose a serious threat to residents and public infrastructure. He demanded that criminal cases be filed against those responsible if construction was found to have violated safety norms or ignored technical recommendations issued by the Irrigation Department.

The YSRCP leader also alleged that a protective screen installed at Kotilingala Revu had already been submerged by floodwaters, describing it as evidence of inadequate planning. He maintained that riverfront projects in flood-prone areas should be executed only after comprehensive technical and hydrological assessments.

Shifting focus to civic infrastructure, Bharat Ram criticised the handling of urban flooding in Rajamahendravaram. He claimed that the Kambala Cheruvu Pumping Station was not being effectively utilised, resulting in recurring waterlogging across several parts of the city. He pointed out that Railway Station Road gets inundated even after moderate rainfall, disrupting traffic and causing inconvenience to residents.

Bharat Ram further accused the NDA government of targeting Backward Class (BC) leaders through politically motivated arrests and cases, warning that the administration would be held accountable for what he termed anti-people governance.

Ahead of YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy's scheduled visit to Devarapalli on August 5, he appealed to tobacco farmers to participate in large numbers. He alleged that both the Central and State governments had failed to secure remunerative prices for tobacco growers.

He also reiterated that the Bhogapuram International Airport project was initiated under the previous YSRCP government, stating that key milestones, including land acquisition and the foundation stone, were completed during its tenure. He accused the present government of claiming credit for a project that was substantially advanced by its predecessor.