Setback at Gundlakamma project as floods damage second gate

Tirupati: Gundlakamma project in Prakasam district has suffered a setback as floodwaters following heavy rains triggered by Cyclone Michaung damaged the second gate of the project.

It is suspected that when floodwaters surged downstream, two elements at the bottom of the second gate got washed away on Friday night.

In a statement, Prakasam district collector A.S. Dinesh Kumar said the district administration is actively working to address the situation. He directed irrigation department officials to ensure protection to farmers, fishermen and residents in low-lying areas surrounding the project.

The collector underlined that efforts to repair the damaged gate are in full swing. In this regard, he said authorities have already called tenders worth $9 crore for comprehensive repairs of the Gundlakamma project gates.

“Farmers under the Gundlakamma command area need not worry, as repairs are being carried out expeditiously,” and water ensured to the farmers during the ongoing season itself,” the collector stated.

A similar incident had occurred in the past when the third gate of Gundlakamma project witnessed a breach.

Sources disclosed in the current incident, the second gate had been in bad shape over the past few days. They revealed that that the other gates also need urgent repairs.