Siddapuram tank bund develops cavity

Atmakur (Kurnool): A big cavity was formed beneath the bund of Siddapuram tank posing a submersion threat to low-lying areas in the town. The tank, which is an irrigation source, is getting inflows following incessant rain in Kurnool district for the past one week. Works of a lift irrigation scheme are underway at Siddapuram tank. If the water level in the tank rises abnormally, the bund is likely to develop a breach.

Following rumours that water was leaking from the tank shutters in a big way, revenue and irrigation officials visited the place. They found a 20-ft deep and 5-ft wide cavity beneath the tank bund. Tahsildar Rajasekhar Babu informed the matter to District Collector Ch Vijaya Mohan who instructed the irrigation officials to plug the cavity immediately.

Having learnt about it, Srisailam MLA Budda Rajasekhar Reddy also asked the irrigation officials to plug the cavity and strengthen the tank bund on a war-footing. Irrigation department executive engineer Pulla Rao and Deputy EE Damodar initiated measures to plug the cavity with sand bags. Steps were also being taken to check the leakage of water from the shutters of an outlet. Allaying the fears of people, the irrigation officials said the cavity in the bund and leakage of water from the shutters would not pose any flood threat to the town.

M Satya Peter