In Vijayawada on October 2020, a tragic incident unfolded in the Vidyadharapuram area of Vijayawada when heavy rainfall caused a landslide, leading to the collapse of a house roof and the death of a resident, Shivashankar Rao. Despite the relentless downpour, power remained unaffected, allowing Rao to watch the news on television at the time. However, his life was cut short when the roof of his house suddenly gave way, crushed under the weight of falling boulders from the nearby hillside.
This incident is part of a larger, recurring issue in Vijayawada, where residents in certain areas live in constant fear during the rainy season. The recent heavy rains, fueled by a depression, have led to yet another fatal landslide in Moghalrajpuram, where a young girl lost her life. Continuous rainfall in the region has increased the risk of such disasters, causing extensive damage to property and endangering lives.
In Vijayawada, landslides are not uncommon, particularly in areas like Indrakeeladri, Kasturibai Pet, and Labbipet. Over the past decade, more than 20 people have died due to landslides, and many others have been injured. The densely populated regions of Gunadala, Machavaram, Christurajapuram, Vidyadharapuram, and Chittinagar are especially vulnerable during heavy rains, causing significant concern among the residents.
Most of those residing in these hilly areas belong to low-income families, making them particularly vulnerable during continuous rains, which increase the likelihood of landslides. For years, these residents have appealed to the state government for safety measures, especially after being granted land titles. Despite the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) promising to build protective walls and install fencing in 2017, there has been little progress, leading to accusations of negligence.
Several factors contribute to the frequency of landslides in Vijayawada, including the presence of soft sedimentary rocks that erode easily during heavy rainfall. Rapid urban development, deforestation, poor land management, and inadequate drainage systems further exacerbate the problem. The ongoing construction activities in the region compact the soil, reducing its water absorption capacity and increasing the risk of landslides.
While the VMC is aware of these issues, there have been repeated criticisms that the corporation only takes temporary measures in response to disasters, leaving long-term solutions unaddressed. As the heavy rains continue, the residents of Vijayawada’s hilly areas remain in a state of anxiety, fearing the next disaster.