VMC steps up drain cleaning ahead of monsoon

Vijayawada: With the monsoon season setting in, the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) has intensified desilting works across the city to ensure smooth flow of rainwater and prevent waterlogging, municipal commissioner Dhyanachandra said on Tuesday.The corporation has deployed multiple machines and equipment at key locations, including desilting machines in Vambay Colony, long-arm excavators and trucks along the Budameru canal, and boats for clearing silt and debris from the Bandar and Eluru canals. Excavators are also being used to remove floating waste and accumulated silt from major drains across all circles, he said.According to the commissioner, desilting is being carried out continuously in major canals, outfall drains and internal drains to ensure uninterrupted flow of stormwater.

Silt, garbage and other obstructions that hinder the movement of water from smaller drains to larger canals are being removed on a regular basis.He said officials have been instructed to immediately rectify connectivity gaps in the drainage network wherever identified so that rainwater can drain without obstruction during heavy showers.Alongside desilting operations, the civic body is also constructing new drains at locations prone to water stagnation as a long-term solution.

Areas that witness recurring waterlogging during the rainy season have been identified, and measures such as installing gullies and strengthening stormwater infrastructure are being taken to minimise inconvenience to residents.Dhyanachandra said the VMC’s monsoon response team has been placed on continuous alert. The team will monitor vulnerable locations and respond immediately after rainfall to clear waterlogging and restore normal conditions at the earliest.