Embankment damage exposes Bhadrachalam to potential Godavari floods

A key embankment protecting Bhadrachalam from Godavari floods has partially collapsed, triggering panic among residents. BRS and CPI(M) leaders blamed the government for delay in permanent repairs, as monsoon rains intensify threat in Kotha Colony and nearby areas

Kothagudem: The embankment built to shield Bhadrachalam town from the Godavari’s fury has suffered significant damage in several stretches, raising serious concerns over the safety of residents as the monsoon intensifies.

A 50-metre stretch of the protection wall, from the bridge centre to the upper part of Kotha Colony, collapsed following the recent rains. In addition, holes have appeared in several areas along the three-kilometre-long embankment, while wild vegetation, including trees and bushes, has further weakened its structure. Locals fear the embankment will be unable to withstand Godavari floods if the water level reaches 72 feet. Notably, a three-foot protective wall was added atop the 80-foot-high embankment a few years ago to strengthen flood defences.

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Speaking to Telangana Today, BRS Bhadrachalam constituency in-charge Mane Ramakrishna said officials had merely placed sandbags as a stopgap measure, instead of initiating permanent repairs. “The State government must act immediately so that even if the water level rises to 70 feet, Bhadrachalam remains safe,” he urged.

CPI(M) district secretary Macha Venkateswarlu criticised the inaction, pointing out that despite having three Ministers from the erstwhile Khammam district, preventive steps were lacking. He alleged that Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, during a recent visit to Bhadrachalam, failed to inspect the breached stretch of the embankment. “This shows the Congress government’s indifference towards low-lying areas,” he said.

Several areas, including Kotha Colony, AMC Colony and Ayyappa Colony, have been inundated in previous years despite the embankment. With the wall now partially collapsed, residents in these vulnerable zones are increasingly anxious. Venkateswarlu said the party had raised the issue with public representatives and officials, but no action was taken. “The irrigation authorities are claiming the damaged portion falls in Andhra Pradesh territory and cannot be repaired using Telangana funds,” he said.

“The officials must realise it is Telangana residents who are at risk. Immediate repairs to the sluices at Kotha Colony and Ayyappa Colony are also essential,” he added.