Latest news with #ChBabuRao
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Budameru flood fears haunt residents as monsoon sets in
1 2 Vijayawada: Fear looms large among residents living along the Budameru rivulet in Vijayawada and neighbouring suburbs, as no tangible work was completed to prevent Budameru from entering the residential colonies abutting the stream—even nine months after record floods ravaged the area and submerged half of Vijayawada for more than a fortnight last September. On September 1, 2024, floodwater from Budameru, following record rains and subsequent breaches in its bund at three locations, entered houses, submerging many colonies and areas including Jakkampudi YSR Colony, Ajith Singh Nagar, and New and Old Rajarajeshwari Pet in the Vijayawada Central and West constituencies. This forced residents living on the ground and first floors to abandon their belongings and vacate their houses, relocating to relief centres for nearly 15 days. Acting on a war footing, state govt filled the three breaches and assured the construction of a retaining (flood protection) wall along the Budameru stream to protect residents living nearby. However, govt has taken up the retaining wall construction only at the three breach locations, contrary to its promise of constructing a wall along the entire stretch of the stream. A deadline of June 10 was set to complete the wall construction works at those three locations. CPM state secretariat member Ch Babu Rao accused the TDP-led NDA govt of neglecting the safety and security of the people and the city, turning a blind eye to the promises made during last year's floods regarding full-length flood protection along the Budameru. "It is estimated that 600 crore would be required to complete the construction of the flood protection wall. However, a mere 30-40 crore was sanctioned. Despite the havoc caused by last year's Budameru floods, govt has no concrete plan of action, such as creating an alternate flood channel to divert Budameru into the Krishna river or expanding the existing diversion channel to enhance its flood-carrying capacity," Babu Rao remarked. It is understood that govt is currently focusing on the faster execution of flood protection walls at the three breach points, with plans to take up full-scale construction of the flood protection wall in the coming days. The Budameru bund has developed fresh cracks on the south side between Velpuru and Uppaluru in Kankipadu Mandal of Krishna district. Farmers in the region have raised concerns over water seepage from these cracks, which could potentially inundate agricultural fields in Velpuru, Uppaluru, Manthena, and Tenneru villages in Kankipadu mandal.
Hans India
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
NDA govt burdened people with Rs 784 cr house tax: CPM
Vijayawada: The coalition government, during its one-year rule, has burdened the urban citizens with hike in property tax (house tax) amounting to Rs 784 crore, criticised CPM State executive committee member Ch Babu Rao. Addressing the media here on Monday, Babu Rao said the coalition government is following the footsteps of former YSRCP government to impose tax burden on the people. Moreover, the government initiated a survey in 123 cities and towns across the State in order to increase house tax on 40 lakh homes. He regretted that the coalition government broke its promise made in the election manifesto, which assured the citizens that value-based house tax system would be abolished. Babu Rao took strong exception to the imposition of penalty up to 100 per cent on the houses of the poor and middleclass people in the guise of unauthorised construction. 'The people are burdened with Rs 15,485 crore in the name of electricity adjustment charges in addition to the burden of enhanced house tax. Instead of providing basic amenities in urban areas like drinking water, drainage, sanitation, and roads, it is atrocious to undertake a fresh survey to increase taxes on a war footing within a month.' Moreover, the coalition parties are more focused on defections and intimidation for mayoral and chairman posts than providing amenities for urban citizens, he added. It's lamentable that property tax is completely waived and concessions are given to Adani and other corporate companies, while house tax burdens are placed on the poor and middle-class, he pointed out. The CPM leader suggested that TDP leaders and people's representatives must discuss and abolish electricity burdens and house tax hikes in Mahanadu. If the survey for house tax hike is not stopped, the CPM and citizen organisations will launch a State-wide agitation, Babu Rao warned.
