Amaravati's Development Plans Inspired by Netherlands' Flood Prevention Systems

As the plan for Amaravati's development continues to evolve, there is growing inspiration drawn from the Netherlands, particularly in its flood prevention strategies. Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD), P Narayana, shared with the media that the World Bank had approved a financial package of Rs 15,000 crore for the capital city project. However, the bank has emphasized the need for the state government to expedite its flood mitigation measures.

To address flood concerns, especially after the Vijayawada flood in September raised alarms, the Andhra Pradesh government has adopted the Netherlands' system of gravity canals and reservoirs. The state is also prioritizing the construction of ring roads and is set to invite fresh tenders for capital city projects by January.

The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) held a meeting chaired by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who had initially laid the groundwork for the Amaravati project during his previous tenure from 2014 to 2019. During the meeting, Minister Narayana detailed the flood control initiatives, noting that reservoirs are being developed across multiple locations, including a 217 km stretch within Amaravati. Gravity canal reservoirs are under construction at Kondaveeti and Palavagu, while additional storage reservoirs are being built in Neerukonda, Krishnayapalem, Sakhamuru, and Vundavalli.

In addition to flood control measures, the state is moving forward with plans for both inner and outer ring roads around Amaravati, despite the presence of existing bypass roads. The government has also decided to cancel previous tenders issued for Amaravati's development between 2014 and 2019, and will reissue new tenders for the upcoming works. Of the original Rs 41,000 crore worth of projects tendered, Rs 35,000 crore in works, including key infrastructure such as the high court and legislative complex, have already begun.