Kurnool: A massive discharge of water from the Tungabhadra Dam following the collapse of its 19th gate late Saturday night has put Kurnool district on high alert.
District collector P. Ranjit Basha has issued a stern warning to residents in low-lying areas along the river.
The initial release of 1,00,000 cusecs of water was followed by an additional 90,000 cusecs on Sunday morning, causing panic among downstream communities.
Revenue officials in Mantralayam, Kowthalam, Kosigi, Nandavaram, and C. Belagal mandals have been directed to remain on high alert.
The floodwaters are expected to reach the Andhra Pradesh border by Sunday night, Mantralayam by Monday morning, and Sunkesula by evening. To prevent casualties, the district administration has imposed a strict ban on river entry and fishing activities.
Kurnool superintendent of police G. Bindu Madhav has been instructed to keep State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams ready for deployment. The collector has ordered close coordination among police, revenue, irrigation, and fisheries departments to handle the situation effectively.
Irrigation superintending engineer Reddy Sekhar Reddy assured that the situation is currently under control. However, the district administration is leaving no stone unturned in its preparedness.
Industries minister T.G. Bharath has taken cognizance of the situation and spoken with the district collector. He assured the public that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is monitoring the developments closely and necessary precautions are being taken.
