Check dam collapses in Peddapalli, locals suspect sand mafia involvement

A check dam built across the Manair river near Gumpula in Odela mandal collapsed under suspicious circumstances, sparking speculation among locals. While some alleged the sand mafia was behind the incident to resume quarrying banned by the Green Tribunal, others suggested structural leakages caused the failure.

Peddapalli:  A check dam constructed across the Manair river near Gumpula of Odela mandal collapsed under suspicious circumstances, triggering speculation among locals.

While some residents alleged that the sand mafia might have blown up the structure, others argued that it could have been washed away due to heavy water flow in the river. Sand quarrying in the Manair river was halted following the Green Tribunal’s instructions, and locals suspect that the dam was targeted as part of a conspiracy to resume sand mining.

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They questioned how the check dam, which suffered no damage even during periods of intense rainfall, could suddenly collapse due to water flow. In contrast, another section of residents believed that leakages in the dam might have led to its collapse during heavy inflow.

Senior BRS leader and former MLA D Manohar Reddy visited the spot on Saturday and expressed doubts over the cause of the damage. He demanded that the State government conduct an inquiry into the incident.

The previous BRS government constructed the check dam in 2022 at a cost of Rs 19 crore. About 2,000 acres of agricultural land in Gumpula, Pochampalli, Gandrapalli and Thanugula are irrigated through the structure.