TIRUPATI: Normal life of the citizens was hit not only with rains opening up in a big way, because the rains did not find any outlet thanks to encroachments and irregular constructions in the temple town. To check encroachments in Tirupati and parts of Chittoor, the district administration has formed a special committee headed by sub-collector rank officer.
Speaking to Express, Tirupati sub-collector Himanshu Shukla said that the inspection work in identifying the encroachments was going on in full swing. “Not only is the revenue division but also the Municipal Corporation of Tirupati (MCT) involved in rectifications,” he said, adding that the two departments are using modern technology for an accurate report. Though he did not reveal about the exact and current status of inspection works, however, the officer hinted that good number of cases had been identified till now.
Total loss estimated in the two spells of rains from November 8 to 24 is estimated to be around Rs 10.48 crore. An inter-ministerial Central team is expected to visit Tirupati on December 9 (Wednesday) to assess losses in rain-affected areas. Meanwhile, as part of restoration works in the city, civic authorities are utilising funds sanctioned for the 13th finance commission.
Drainage canals and internal culverts top the list of the rain-damaged areas, MCT deputy commissioner K Bhagya Lakshmi said. “On Tuesday, the district administration sanctioned Rs 10 lakh as temporary relief to MCT for taking up repair works. The damage in the wards has also been estimated and MCT had appointed an inspection officer for five wards in regard to this,” she said.
Speaking to Express, retired bank manager, G Nagaraju said that it was a horrible situation for the residents in overcoming the water logjam problems. “The improper drainage system is a serious problem that needs to be rectified,” he said. The retired manager said that the civic authorities had failed to identify the exact issue much earlier and late precautionary measures added to citizen’s woes.
“Earlier, the city revenue officials were obviously patting their shoulders saying that encroachments were under vigil and curtailed, but the reality depicted otherwise (rain flooding). In spite of having good slope conditions, the temple town was unable to resist the wrath of incessant rainfall, thanks to the illegal constructions,” he added.