Godavari recedes, brings relief to all

Rajahmundry: Water level in Godavari river started receding at Sir Arthur Cotton barrage giving much relief to the people living especially in low-lying areas along the course of river on either side of the bunds in Godavari districts on Monday.

Irrigation authorities recorded the water level at 9.10 ft with a discharge of 7.12 lakh cusecs of water into the sea at barrage at Dowleswaram at 6.00 pm.

However, at 6.00 am, the authorities allowed discharge of 7.33 lakh cusecs of water.

Similarly, at Bhadrachalam, Godavari water level was recorded at 32.6 ft at 6.00 pm against 36.8 ft at 6.00 am. A few settlers at one of the islands Bridge Lanka on the river near Rajahmundry moved out to safety while the authorities are keep close tab on the water level to move them if required.

In Amalapuram division, flood water entered the coconut plantations in some islets and no water entered the habitations on the islets. As the water level started receding, the authorities rule out any evacuation of the people from the islets for the moment.

However, the backwaters of Godavari river are having their impact at Kothuru causeway as a thick sheet of water spread on it disrupt the movement of the vehicles. People living in about 15 villages cross the causeway on makeshift arrangement like floating rubber tubes and punts along with their two wheelers to visit Rajahmundry. The revenue authorities at Polavaram mandal say that unless the water level in the river touches second warning level of 13.75 ft at the barrage, there will not be any major impact like disruption of transport to the villages.

At Narasapuram division, the revenue authorities maintain that it takes 48 hours for the flood water from the barrage to reach the tail end point where the river empties itself into the Bay of Bengal.

Godavari river conservator P.V. Tirupati Rao said, "Water level in Godavari river started receding and we expect the water to decline further in the hours ahead. However, we are keeping our personnel on alert as a precautionary measure in the low-lying areas along the river course."