Floods Ravage All State Capitals, But Why the Scrutiny on Amaravati?
In a year marked by extreme weather events across India, the country’s state capitals have all faced the brunt of devastating floods. However, the recent deluge in Amaravati, the upcoming capital of Andhra Pradesh, has sparked a pointed debate about the city’s viability and the scrutiny it faces.
Last year, heavy rains and overflowing rivers submerged parts of the Amaravati region, leading to widespread criticism of the ambitious project. Critics argued that the choice of location was flawed, with the city’s vulnerability to floods calling into question the wisdom of establishing it as the state’s administrative center.
Yet, a closer examination reveals that Amaravati is not alone in its struggle against the rising waters. Maharashtra’s capital, Mumbai, has long grappled with the annual monsoon flooding that inundates the city. Similarly, the national capital, New Delhi, has seen its fair share of waterlogged streets and disrupted infrastructure during the monsoon season.
Experts argue that the issue of flooding is not unique to Amaravati, but rather a challenge faced by many urban centers across India. “Climate change and urbanization have created a perfect storm, with cities struggling to cope with the increasing frequency and intensity of floods,” said Aditya Sharma, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Technology.
In Amaravati’s case, the city’s location along the banks of the Krishna River has made it particularly vulnerable to flooding. However, the state government has taken steps to address the issue, including the construction of embankments and the development of a comprehensive drainage system.
Nonetheless, the scrutiny on Amaravati remains intense, with some questioning whether the city’s location was a wise choice in the first place. “The decision to build the capital in a flood-prone area has raised valid concerns, and the government must address them head-on,” said Aruna Rao, an urban planning expert.
As the debate continues, it is clear that the challenges faced by Amaravati are not unique to the city, but reflective of a broader trend affecting state capitals across India. The need for comprehensive, sustainable urban planning and resilient infrastructure has never been more pressing, as the country grapples with the increasing threat of climate-related disasters.
