GUNTUR: The Kommamuru canal developed a 20-feet-breach in the late hours of Friday at the 49/3 kilometre point near Mutluru village under Vatticherukuru mandal in Guntur district. According to locals, the breach was caused due to heavy discharge of water from Krishna river at Prakasam barrage near Undavalli of Tadepalli mandal in Guntur district. They further said three years ago, the canal breached at the same place and the Irrigation Department took measures to control flood water. The present water flow in the canal is about 2,500 cusecs but the canal bunds are filled with black soil. Hence, the heavy discharge of water caused the breaches.
Officials of the Irrigation Department decided to discharge 1,000 cusecs to Kommamuru canal but the sudden rise in water level at Prakasam barrage resulted in the release of about 2,500 cusecs. The loose black soil softened due to overflow of water and the officials started taking steps to control inundation of farm lands and diverted inflows into Kollimara drain at Vatticherukuru.
DEE NKV Prasad said, “We have diverted the water to Kollimara drain. Water discharge will continue for 24 hours.” He said EE K Venkata Ratnam, DE Anil, AE Anjaneyulu and other officials are camping at Mutluru. SE M Babu Rao inspected the site and said he directed the officials to stop water at Prakasam barrage .