RAJAHMUNDRY: Godavari floods became a matter of grief to several villagers living downstream due to inundation of their fields but at the same time brought cheer to people, who salvaged the timber from the swirling waters at the peril of their own life, and made a quick buck selling this timber as firewood.
The timber usually gets washed away starting from Papikondalu, Kondamodalu, Tunur, Telladibba and Devipatnam regions during Godavari flood season. Some persons of the agency region retrieve the timber that is washed away in the flood water and sell them to the timber merchants. The valuable timber is also used to reach downstream to be sold to middlemen.
A person Bhimavarapu Rangadu of Rajahmundry collected firewood that was being washed in the swirling waters of Godavari near Seshaiahmetta.
Speaking to ‘Express’ he said that it was a routine for him every year during the floods and he used to swim in the swirling waters to retrieve the fire wood.
Another person Venkata Rao too collects the firewood from the flood water. Several children along the Godavari bund also collect the fire wood that is washed ashore.
Flood situation: Meanwhile there was no respite from the flood water of Godavari river.
The irrigation officials are releasing 2.54 cusecs of flood water into the sea from Dowleswaram barrage on Sunday. The water-level at the barrage stands at 10.30 ft as on Sunday.
The officials are releasing 3,800 cusecs of water into the Eastern delta, 2,675 cusecs into the central delta and 7,200 cusecs into the western delta. The Godavari bunds is also attracting a large number of people who come to witness the beauty to Godavari in all its glory during the floods.