Aurangabad Commissioner Directs War-Footing Cleanup of Key Rivers Before Monsoon
In a decisive move to safeguard the city from seasonal flooding, Municipal Commissioner G. Sreekanth has issued strict directives for officials to operate in "mission mode" to complete the cleaning of Aurangabad's two vital natural water sources—the Kham and Sukhna rivers—before the monsoon season arrives.
Urgent Review Meeting Sets Aggressive Timeline
During a comprehensive review meeting of the river rejuvenation projects, Commissioner Sreekanth emphasized that no work related to river cleaning should remain pending. He instructed all departments to execute their tasks with urgency and precision, treating the cleanup as a top priority.
The planned execution of this project is expected to achieve two critical objectives:
- Significantly reduce flood risks in vulnerable areas of the city
- Help restore the natural flow and ecological health of both rivers
Six-Year Kham River Project Receives Renewed Focus
Civic authorities revealed that the cleaning of the Kham River has been ongoing for the past six years, with considerable progress already achieved. However, Commissioner Sreekanth has directed Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Asadullah Khan and his team to submit a detailed four-month action plan outlining all remaining work that must be completed before the monsoon begins in June.
Key instructions for the Kham River project include:
- Extending the river cleaning drive upstream up to Harsul, thereby widening the scope of ongoing work
- Immediately reporting any requirements for additional machinery, manpower, technical inputs, or other resources
- Ensuring all processes are carried out on a war-footing basis
Sukhna River Rejuvenation Also Prioritized
Alongside the Kham River initiative, the civic body has prioritized the rejuvenation of the Sukhna River. The administration's focus here is on removing obstructions from the riverbed to ensure smooth water flow, particularly to prevent flooding during monsoon months.
Commissioner Sreekanth directed OSD Jayant Kulkarni, who oversees the Sukhna River rejuvenation project, to ensure thorough cleaning of the river channel within the specified timeline. This measure aims to prevent flood-like conditions in Naregaon and other settlements located along the riverbanks during the rainy season.
Comprehensive Approach to Urban Water Management
The commissioner's directives represent a comprehensive approach to urban water management that balances flood prevention with environmental restoration. By addressing both rivers simultaneously and expanding the scope of cleaning operations, the municipal corporation aims to create lasting improvements to the city's water infrastructure and natural ecosystems.
Officials have been instructed to maintain constant communication regarding project progress and resource requirements, ensuring that the mission-mode approach translates into tangible results before the monsoon season tests the city's flood preparedness.
