The water resources department is taking proactive measures to reinforce the flood banks at vulnerable locations in order to safeguard the residents in the Godavari districts. This preemptive action is in preparation for potential floods in the Godavari region during the latter part of this rainy season post August 15. The extensive stretch of the river’s flood banks covers 546km, with a significant portion of 326km falling within the Konaseema area. The department has pinpointed 10 critical areas such as K Gangavaram, Kalla Sundarapalli, Bobbilanka, Kumaradevam, Nagullanka, among others, and has mobilized various flood materials like casuarina and bamboo sticks, as well as sandbags, to fortify the flood banks against the impact of heavy flooding.
Krishna river conservator, Krishna Rao, has highlighted the imminent scenario where the Prakasam region will receive a substantial amount of water from the Pulichintala project, necessitating the release of excess water into the sea. Collaborating with revenue authorities, efforts are underway to safeguard settlements situated both upstream and downstream of the Prakasam barrage from any potential harm. Anticipating an influx of around one lakh cusecs into the Prakasam barrage by Tuesday night or early Wednesday from the Pulichintala project, precautions have been taken to issue a flood alert to residents along the river downstream to ensure preparedness and mitigate risks posed by rising floodwaters.
Concerns have been raised about the vulnerability of certain flood banks, with reports of the Kalla Sundarapalli flood bank being at risk even with a flow of two lakh cusecs of floodwater, while issues such as soil erosion and overflow of floodwater have been observed at the Bobbilanka and Nagullanka flood banks, respectively. With the anticipation of a second wave of floods due to expected rainfall in upper catchment areas, water resource officials stress the importance of reinforcing flood banks to prevent breaches, erosion, and potential inundation of low-lying areas.
In addition to these measures, there is a proposal in place to enhance the barrage with 175 crest gates at a cost of 150 crore under the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project, supported financially by the World Bank, the Center, and the state government. Plans also include the repair or replacement of crest gates as needed to ensure their resilience against heavy floods, thereby ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of the barrage for the next three to four decades. The presence of the barrage plays a crucial role in providing water for cultivating nearly 15 lakh acres of agricultural fields in the Godavari districts.
Godavari river conservator, Kasi Visweswara Rao, emphasized the ongoing monitoring of flood banks as the Godavari faces potential flooding, assuring that preparations are in place to strengthen vulnerable bunds and mitigate any risks effectively.
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