Andhra Pradesh government to focus on canal network

Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed the consultants to preserve the natural resources and suggested to consider measures for optimal use benefitting not only Amaravati, but the surrounding region, making use of even the storm water by strengthening existing canal network like Krishna western delta canal and Guntur canal. As part of the weekly assessment of Amaravati capital city development on every Wednesday, the Chief Minister has conducted the second meeting here on Wednesday on blue plan for the capital city which includes the flood protection measures, Kondaveeti Vagu discharge management, beautification of Krishna river front and protection and sustainable use of islands.

Amaravati is being developed as a blue and green city. The master plan for Amaravati has allocated about 30 per cent of the land use for blue and green plan. This is substantial percentage reserve for blue and green plan when compared to many cities across the globe. The plan envisages to naturally adopting existing water bodies including tanks and river Krishna seamlessly duly protecting their regime.

The blue plan has taken into account the flood history of over 100 years. The Chief Minister directed that all possible measures and internationally best practices shall be empl-oyed in the implementation of the blue plan. The Chief Minister has advised to visualise the river Krishna as part and parcel of two cities — Vijayawada and the future city Amaravati, thereby giving a majestic backdrop to ethe ntire region.

World renowned blue consultant from Arcadis, Netherlands, Rob Steijn, with experience of working in more than 80 countries, made a detailed presentation regarding the progress made so far on the blue plan for Amaravati. A discussion on the navigable canals also has been presented, according to CRDA media adviser A. Chandrasekhar Reddy, The Chief Minister has directed the officials of the CCDMC, CRDA, revenue, irrigation, environment and forest, and Inland Water Ways Authority of India to work in coordination to achieve best results in implementation of the blue plan.  The Chief Minister reiterated his vision and commitment to build safe, secure, happy, peaceful and prosperous Amaravati for the future generations. Minister for municipal administration P. Narayana, CCDMC chairman Lakshmi Parthasarathi, principal secretaries Satish Chandra, G. Sai Prasad and Ajay Jain were present in the meeting.