In News:

The Tirupati Urban Development Authority (TUDA) has launched Operation SWARNA, a comprehensive initiative aimed at rescuing, reviving, and rejuvenating the River Swarnamukhi in Andhra Pradesh. The project seeks to restore the river’s ecological flow, protect it from encroachments, and ensure its long-term sustainability. Modeled on Hyderabad’s HYDRAA (Hyderabad Drainage and River Authority for Action and Awareness) framework, the proposed task force will be headed by the TUDA Vice-Chairman and vested with enforcement powers.

About River Swarnamukhi

• Location: Andhra Pradesh; an east-flowing river with a catchment area of 3,225 sq. km.
• Origin: Rises at ~300 m elevation in the Eastern Ghats near Pakala village, Chittoor district.
• Course: Flows 130 km northeast, passing through Tirupati hills, and joins the Bay of Bengal.
• Religious Significance: Passes through Tirumala and Srikalahasti, home to temples like the Srikalahasteeswara Temple.
• Hydrology:
  • Independent river system, not connected to major rivers.
  • Rain-fed; highly dependent on rainfall in upper catchments.
  • Rainfall varies from 1270 mm (eastern side) to 762 mm (western side) of the basin.
• Tributary: Kalyani River, across which the Kalyani Dam (1977) regulates flow.

Challenges

• Encroachment and land grabbing along the riverbanks.
• Seasonal and irregular flows due to rainfall dependency.
• Decline in water quality and ecological health from urban pressures.
• Cultural risk: Threat to temple towns and their heritage that depend on the river.

Significance of Operation SWARNA

• Ecological revival: Ensures sustainable river flow and biodiversity restoration.
• Water security: Rejuvenation can enhance groundwater recharge and local water availability.
• Cultural preservation: Protects sacred towns of Tirumala–Srikalahasti corridor.
• Model initiative: Replicates the HYDRAA framework of Hyderabad, strengthening river governance.