Background of the Swarnamukhi River
Operation SWARNA for River Revival in Andhra Pradesh: The Swarnamukhi River is a 130 km long east-flowing river originating from Pakala and draining into the Bay of Bengal. It passes near Tirupati and Srikalahasti, two major religious and cultural centres. The river plays a crucial role in irrigation, drinking water supply, and sustaining local biodiversity.
Static GK fact: The Swarnamukhi is one of the important rivers of southern Andhra Pradesh, historically supporting temple towns and agriculture.
Encroachments and Challenges
Over the years, large-scale encroachments have affected the river’s flow. Land grabbers occupied riverbanks, buffer zones, canals, and tanks. Many plots were registered illegally using fake survey numbers, especially during the previous government’s tenure.
The encroachments worsened flooding risks. In 2021, heavy floods displaced thousands of people, many of whom lacked official land documents.
Launch of Operation SWARNA
The Tirupati Urban Development Authority (TUDA) has launched Operation SWARNA (Swarnamukhi Waterbody Action for River and Nala Awareness) with state government backing. This is the first dedicated river restoration initiative in Andhra Pradesh.
A drone survey will map the river from Thondavada to Srikalahasti, marking 50 metres on each side as a protected buffer zone. The drive aims to clear illegal encroachments and restore natural water flow.
Legal and Institutional Measures
The project will operate under a joint task force involving TUDA, Irrigation, Survey, and Revenue departments. The framework will mirror the powers of HYDRAA (Hyderabad) for strict enforcement.
Legal action will be initiated against encroachers, corrupt officials, and land mafia. Whistleblowers are encouraged to report fraudulent registrations or illegal land sales.
Static GK Tip: TUDA (Tirupati Urban Development Authority) was formed in 1981 to manage planned development of Tirupati and its surroundings.
Tourism and Cultural Value
The riverfront near Tiruchanur will be beautified as part of Operation SWARNA. Plans include constructing a culvert to regulate water flow for devotees visiting the Goddess Padmavathi Ammavari temple.
The state government envisions the project as both an ecological restoration and a tourism development initiative, increasing Tirupati’s spiritual and economic significance.
Wider Significance
Operation SWARNA demonstrates the importance of protecting waterbodies from urban expansion. By reviving the Swarnamukhi, Andhra Pradesh aims to balance development, ecology, and heritage preservation.
Static GK fact: India celebrates National River Day on November 25 to spread awareness about river conservation.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Operation SWARNA for River Revival in Andhra Pradesh:
| Topic | Detail |
| Operation SWARNA | Initiative to restore Swarnamukhi River by TUDA |
| River length | 130 km, flows from Pakala to Bay of Bengal |
| Affected towns | Tirupati and Srikalahasti |
| Flood event | 2021 floods displaced residents due to encroachments |
| Drone survey | Mapping river boundaries Thondavada to Srikalahasti |
| Buffer zone | 50 metres on either side of river |
| Institutional framework | Joint task force of TUDA, Irrigation, Survey, Revenue departments |
| Enforcement model | Similar to HYDRAA authority of Hyderabad |
| Tourism plan | Beautification near Tiruchanur and temple areas |
| Static GK note | TUDA formed in 1981 for Tirupati development |
