River Krishna
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Encroachment on river
Infrastructure
Syed Akbar, Along bank, capital trouble builds for Krishna, Sep 14, 2017: The Times of India
CURVES DON'T LIE: Andhra Capital Coming Up On Floodplains And Paleo Channels That Play A Role In Controlling Overflow Of A River
Amaravati, the new capital of A n d h r a Pradesh being built along the Krishna river, is touted as a model of a planned city . But its residents may have to shell out a lot for drinking water. And during heavy rains, a threat of floods will loom over them.
For, the city is coming up on the floodplains and palaeo channels (extinct course of a river) that play a key role in controlling overflow from the Krishna and ensuring potable water in a region otherwise afflicted by the scourge of groundwater salinity .
“The Krishna used to follow a different course 5 lakh to 10 lakh years ago. These courses are now present in the form of palaeo channels. Water flows through them underground. Any obstruction to their path--through construction of buildings or roads-will lead to flooding and abnormal increase in the groundwater table,“ says environmentalist V Satyanarayana.
Flooding along the Krishna in 2009 that affected over 400 villages and towns was partly attributed to such activity .
Experts from the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Hyderabad, say the floodplains of Vijayawada are spread over 246 sqkm and the palaeo channels cover about 55 sqkm. Any construction on them is expected to prove dangerous. Though a deeper foundation will protect buildings, it will obstruct the flow of underground water streams through paleo channels,thereby affecting aquifers in the region that are fed by them, said K Babu Rao, a scientist from the National Alliance of People's Movements, championing the cause of ecological balance.
Aquifers in the Krishna delta hold valuable reservoirs of fresh water--the rest of the region has saline groundwater-worth over Rs 1,000 crore annually . But they will be lost if Amaravati is built over paleo channels, says experts.
However, the Andhra Pradesh State Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) seems oblivious to the problem. It is only focused on ensuring that the river's floodplains are kept free of construction. Stressing on the fact that Amaravati would require “extra protection from flooding“, APCRDA officials said a minimum construction level would be set to ensure Amaravati is safe even when Krishna crosses the danger mark.
APCRDA has informed the National Green Tribunal about its strategy to prevent flooding and has approached the World Bank seeking funds for flood mitigation, and development activities in Amaravati. In a report to World Bank, APCRDA said it has studied the flood lines for once-in-100 years, -50 years and -25 years floods in the region.
Environmentalists are not convinced though. Water conservationist Rajendra Singh, who recently toured Amaravati, challenged APCRDA for a debate on the impact of paleo channels and floodplains.
Discounting flood fears, APCRDA principal secretary Ajay Jain told TOI: “The idea of a river-based capital is not to spoil the environment but to protect and beautify the Krishna riverside. The green field capital is being shaped essentially as a blue green city.We have roped in a consultant from the Netherlands for this.“
