Flood threat to Mummidivaram

Mummidivaram (East Godavari): The outfall sluices in the Assembly constituency are in a state of dilapidation and pose a threat of submersion to many villages in case of floods.People of Kesanakurru Palem, Pedalanka, Guttenadeevi, Kundaleswaram, Pallamkuru and Nadavapalli denounced the negligent attitude of irrigation officials in failing to undertake repairs to the outfall sluices in their villages despite several representations made in this regard. They alleged that the repair works of the outfall sluices in the purview of Polavaram Island Project were not executed on a permanent basis.

Farmers of the villages said modernisation of the outfall sluices was not completed although Rs 5 crore was sanctioned for the purpose.Neither was the river embankment strengthened nor steps taken to prevent the flow of flood water through Lingala outlet. As a result, several villages in the area face a constant threat of flooding.

The people said they had taken the initiative and blocked the discharge of flood water from the damaged outfall sluices by placing sand bags and other material to prevent submersion of their villages, earlier. The villagers demanded that action be taken against the contractor and the officials concerned for their failure to complete the modernisation of outfall sluices.