Rallavagu retaining wall project faces flak over alignment changes

The Rs 259.9 crore retaining wall project along the Rallavagu stream in Mancherial has sparked controversy after irrigation officials allegedly altered its alignment under political pressure. Originally planned to protect low-lying areas from flooding, the project now faces criticism from residents and questions over adherence to norms.

Mancherial: Irrigation officials are drawing flak for changing the alignment in the construction of a retaining wall along the Rallavagu stream flowing through different parts of this town.

The State government had sanctioned Rs 259.9 crore to create a 7.3 kilometer long retaining wall to prevent flooding of low-lying areas such as NTR Nagar, LIC Colony, Aditya Enclave, Balaji Nagar and Old Mancherial in 2024. The work on the wall measuring 14 meters high at the Godavari river and 3 meters at Carmel Convent High School, finally began a few days ago.

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The Irrigation officials drew up a marking of the alignment by conducting a survey with the help of Revenue officials. They submitted a proposal to the government stating that around 15 structures, located in the buffer zone of the stream would have to be razed to construct the wall, besides acquiring about 20 acres of land.

However, the irrigation officials altered the design of the retaining wall at certain places, allegedly succumbing to pressure exerted by local MLA K Premsagar Rao and some councillors.

According to sources, the owners of residential structures constructed on the banks of the stream are trying to protect their assets by approaching public representatives, who in turn have allegedly advised officials to change the alignment of the wall.

The apartments and structures reportedly were built in the buffer zone of the stream and riverbed as well. Eyebrows are also being raised over whether the officials will follow norms while constructing the wall.

Meanwhile, Irrigation officials denied the allegations and clarified that the wall would be constructed as per the alignment drawn in the past. They claimed they were not facing pressure from any public representatives.