Ancient Meda Cheruvu breached in Mancherial after heavy rains

The ancient Meda Cheruvu tank in Bokkalagutta, Mancherial, was breached following heavy upstream rains, creating a 15-metre-wide cut. Farmers fear reduced water supply, and officials are assessing damage and planning repairs. The tank dates back to 900 AD.

Mancherial: The ancient Meda Cheruvu irrigation tank at Bokkalagutta village in Mandamarri mandal was breached on Wednesday following heavy rains in upstream areas, leading to copious inflows. A video of the breach went viral on social media on Thursday.

The bund gave way at the weir, creating a 15-metre-wide cut that drained the tank’s water. Farmers expressed concern that the breach would reduce water availability and urged officials to carry out immediate repairs.

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Irrigation officials, who inspected the site, said a detailed report on the causes of the breach and estimated repair costs would be submitted to higher authorities. Preliminary findings suggest the bund gave way due to heavy inflows from upstream rains.

Located at the foothills of Gandhari Fort, Meda Cheruvu is believed to have been built around 900 AD by tribal king Medaraju with assistance from Kakatiya rulers. For centuries, the tank has served both irrigation and drinking water needs of Bokkalagutta village.