The Hindu 02.11.2010
GVMC to seek flood damage relief funds
VISAKHAPATNAM: Mayor Pulusu Janardhana Rao and Municipal Commissioner V.N. Vishnu visited the low-lying areas flooded owing to the heavy rain during the last two days.
While temporary measures were being taken to flush out water, for permanent steps funds would be sought under Flood Damage Relief from the Government. Modernisation of storm water drains will also be taken up with the funds sanctioned under the 13 {+t} {+h} Finance Commission.
The Commissioner visited Gajuwaka, Harijana Jaggarajupuram, Sheelanagar, Gangavaram, HB Colony, Narava, Meghadrigedda, SL Canal, Yerrigedda, Gangulagedda, Kanitigedda, Meghadrigedda surplus canal, the airport, Jnanapuram, and the Old Town areas.
He said flooding had been prevented in several areas owing to modernisation of SL Canal, Yerrigedda and Gangulagedda and de-silting of drains when compared to the loss in 2004. However, flooding by three tanks and the wall of Gangavaram port caused inundation in some areas.
During the last three days, 1.5 tmcft of water had flown into the sea from Meghadrigedda and other reservoirs. Mr. Janardhana Rao who visited Sheelanagar instructed officials to organise medical camps. He also visited Sramasaktinagar, Karmikanagar, Giriprasadnagar and Housing Board Colony. Gajuwaka MLA Ch. Venkatramaiah and Chief Engineer B. Jayarami Reddy participated.
Yeleru breach
Owing to heavy inflows the 113-km Yeleru canal breached at 60 km on Sunday night. According to sources, the breach is 30 m wide. Since the reservoir has received heavy inflows, four of the ten gates have been lifted and the water from the canal is being let off into the sea. Water from Meghadrigedda reservoir is being pumped.
