Archive · 14 Nov 2025
Operation SWARNA Launched to Restore Swarnamukhi River from Encroachments
Imagine a big river called Swarnamukhi that flows through many towns.
Over many years, people built houses, farms, and even roads too close to the river, sometimes right in it or its special protected area.
This made the river narrower and caused problems, like floods a couple of years ago.
Now, a group called TUDA is starting a big cleanup called Operation SWARNA.
They will survey the river and its protected spots to find all the illegal buildings and farms.
Then, they plan to remove these things to give the river back its space and let it flow freely again.
They are also making the protected area smaller, from 100 meters to 50 meters.
If poor families live in this area, they will be offered new homes.
They will also build a temporary road to help with the cleanup work.
A survey revealed extensive encroachments along the Swarnamukhi River and its buffer zones across Tirupati district.
Operation SWARNA is a new initiative by TUDA to restore the river by clearing illegal structures and reclaiming land.
Nearly 2,000 structures and vast agricultural lands are encroaching on the riverbed and its buffer zones in Tirupati Rural alone.
Encroachments are estimated to be valued over ₹1,000 crore in Tirupati Rural and have previously contributed to flooding.
The river's buffer zone has been reduced from 100 meters to 50 meters, with provisions for alternative land for affected poor households.
- Who
- Tirupati Urban Development Authority (TUDA) and AP government
- What
- Launching Operation SWARNA, a river restoration initiative to clear encroachments, reclaim land, and restore the natural flow of the Swarnamukhi River.
- When
- A detailed survey has been completed, and boundary stones are expected from January 2026.
- Where
- Swarnamukhi River, spanning nine mandals in Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh, with significant issues in Tirupati Rural, Chandragiri, Yerpedu, Srikalahasti, and Thottambedu mandals.
- Why
- To address extensive encroachments on the riverbed and buffer zones, which have narrowed the river, led to past floods, and are impacting its functionality.
TUDA's Stance on River Restoration
Impact on Encroachers (Implied)
River Health and Flood Prevention
TUDA's Stance on River Restoration
TUDA aims to restore the river's natural flow, clear illegal structures, and reclaim encroached land to prevent future floods, citing that unchecked encroachments have led to past flood damage.
Impact on Encroachers (Implied)
The restoration efforts will likely lead to the removal of structures and land conversions, impacting those who have occupied or developed these areas.
Buffer Zone Revision
TUDA's Stance on River Restoration
TUDA has revised the buffer zone from 100 meters to 50 meters, with boundary stones to be erected from January 2026 onwards, indicating a compromise in the restoration extent.
Impact on Encroachers (Implied)
The reduction in the buffer zone potentially allows for continued development or occupation closer to the river than previously established.
Resettlement of Affected Poor
TUDA's Stance on River Restoration
Poor households within the 50-meter buffer zone will be allotted alternative land after state government approval.
Impact on Encroachers (Implied)
Individuals residing or having property in the affected buffer zone face displacement and relocation, with the assurance of alternative land.
- Initiative Name
- Operation SWARNA
- Authority Responsible
- Tirupati Urban Development Authority (TUDA)
- River
- Swarnamukhi River
- Location
- Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh
- Length of River
- 130 km
- Estimated Structures in Tirupati Rural
- Nearly 2,000
- Estimated Value of Encroached Land in Tirupati Rural
- Over ₹1,000 crore
- Revised Buffer Zone
- 50 meters (from 100 meters)