Bhadrachalam: Minister for Agriculture Marketing and Handlooms, Tummala Nageswara Rao, has expressed serious concern over the delay in building embankments meant to protect Bhadrachalam town and nearby areas from floods caused by the Godavari River.
On Friday, the Minister visited the newly constructed sluice on the Subhash Nagar-Koonavaram road. During the inspection, he criticized the Irrigation Department officials for being careless and questioned why the work had been delayed for more than a year. He made it clear that the construction work must be completed by May 31, before the arrival of the monsoon season, to ensure the safety of the residents and proper transportation during floods.
Tummala also said that the height of the old embankment should be increased from the sluice point to the new section being built. He ordered the installation of permanent motors and automatic systems to better manage flood situations. He asked the officials to speak with the District Collector right after the Sri Ramanavami festival to solve any remaining problems and restart the construction work immediately.
The Minister warned that strict action would be taken against negligent engineers if there were further delays. Several important officials attended this inspection, including Forest Development Corporation Chairman Podhem Veeraiah, Bhadrachalam MLA Tellam Venkat Rao, District Collector Jitesh V Patil, ITDA Project Officer B Rahul, Superintendent of Police Rohith Raju, and other department heads.
