Vijayawada Residents Decry Lack of Budgetary Support for Civic Infrastructure
Vijayawada has once again been handed a significant setback in the latest state budget, with no substantial financial allocations or new developmental initiatives announced to enhance the city's civic infrastructure. This omission has sparked widespread concern among local stakeholders and residents who have long awaited improvements to address persistent urban challenges.
Critical Flood Management Project Ignored
In a particularly glaring oversight, the state government failed to earmark any specific funds for the crucial Budameru flood management project. Additionally, there was no mention of plans to reinforce the storm water drainage systems across Vijayawada. MV Anjaneyulu, president of the Taxpayers' Association, highlighted this deficiency, stating, "No funds were allocated specifically for the Budameru flood management project, and there was also no mention of plans to strengthen the storm water drains in the city. Overall, the government did not provide any special funds to address the long-standing infrastructure issues in Vijayawada."
Metro Rail Mention Offers Little Solace
Beyond a solitary passing reference in the budget speech about the impending reality of modern metro rail connectivity in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, Anjaneyulu noted that there was a complete absence of any detailed development projects earmarked for Vijayawada. This fleeting mention has done little to assuage the growing frustration among citizens who feel their city is being systematically neglected in state planning.
Suburban Infrastructure Deficiencies Overlooked
Dasari Rambabu, president of CREDAI Vijayawada, expressed deep disappointment over the budget's failure to address infrastructural shortcomings in key suburban areas. He pointed out that regions such as Kanuru, Poranki, Penamaluru, Goshala, and areas adjacent to the Vijayawada-Machilipatnam national highway are critically lacking in basic amenities.
- These suburbs suffer from inadequate road networks.
- Poor drainage systems exacerbate flooding risks.
- Unreliable electricity lines hinder daily life and economic activities.
Rambabu emphasized, "Developing infrastructure in Vijayawada suburbs will enable the realty sector to expand beyond the city core and provide affordable housing options to middle-class families on the outskirts. However, there were no significant budgetary allocations made to address these issues in Vijayawada city in the state budget."
Flood Fears Deter Investment and Development
The persistent threat of extreme floods in the Budameru rivulet and the potential submergence of adjacent localities remain a paramount concern for Vijayawada residents. This environmental hazard is also acting as a major deterrent, preventing investors from committing resources and expanding real estate ventures along critical corridors such as Vijayawada IRR and Gunadala.
Rambabu added a urgent plea, "Fear of extreme floods in the Budameru rivulet and likely submergence of localities abutting the rivulet is a big cause for concern for the city residents and is also acting as an impediment, preventing investors from investing and expanding real estate. We urge the government to take up Budameru strengthening works through the budgetary allocations made to the irrigation department."
Hopes Pinned on MAUD Department Execution
In light of the budgetary shortfall, stakeholders are now cautiously optimistic that the government will initiate necessary development works using the allocations proposed under the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) department. However, the lack of explicit funding for Vijayawada-specific projects casts a shadow over the city's immediate developmental prospects, leaving many to wonder when their infrastructure needs will finally be prioritized in state fiscal planning.
