Boats crashing into Prakasam Barrage deliberate act? Minister Rama Naidu addresses suspicions

Vijayawada: Even as the investigation into the four boats crashing into the gates of Prakasam Barrage is underway, water resources minister Nimmala Rama Naidu issued a stern warning against anyone attempting to harm the public.

On September 2, four boats drifted in the floodwaters from the upstream of the barrage and crashed into three gates, damaging the counterweight of gate no 69.

The Prakasam Barrage, with a rich history of nearly 170 years, is crucial for many districts. The recent collision of four boats with the barrage during a flood, when 11,42,000 cusecs of water were being released, raised serious concerns.

‘No one claimed the boats’

“Fortunately, the boats only struck the counterweight, avoiding damage to the main structure or the gates. Had they struck the main structure, the damage to the five districts could have been catastrophic,” the minister said on Monday, while talking to the media at the district collectorate in Vijayawada.

Following the damage, the Water Resources Department (WRD) officials had lodged a complaint with the NTR Commissionerate Police. However, nobody came forward to claim the boats so far, he said.

According to the minister, many have suspicions about the incident, noting that such large boats, usually anchored on the riverbank, were found secured only with a plastic rope. It was found that there were five boars which got washed away, but one boat was missing.

Alleged connection to YSRCP

“The fact that three of the five boats identified belong to the same owner, Ushadri, a close associate to Komati Rammohan and Rammohan being a relative of YSRC MLA Talasila Raghuram deepens the suspicions. It is suspected that the boats may have been deliberately set adrift to damage the barrage and discredit the government,” the minister pointed.

Despite warnings from locals to secure the boats properly, they were reportedly neglected, raising further doubts.

The three boats were initially located in Uddandarayunipalem in Guntur district but were moved to Gollapudi, NTR district, just before the flood and tied with a plastic wire. Each boat costs Rs 40-50 lakhs. How can they be tied to a plastic wire and left? This has led to suspicions that the boats were deliberately set adrift to coincide with the flood and cause damage to the Prakasam Barrage.

The minister assured that strict action will be taken against the culprits and the investigation is being conducted with the safety of the Prakasam Barrage in mind, rather than for political points.

Currently, counterweights are being installed under the supervision of engineer Kannayya Naidu. Work is expected to be completed within two days.