Heavy inflows threaten brimming tanks

NELLORE: Rains had ceased but farmers are on tenterhooks with copious inflow into tanks which are already full to the brim continuing, threatening their safety. The recent breach in the
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NELLORE: Rains had ceased but farmers are on tenterhooks with copious inflow into tanks which are already full to the brim continuing, threatening their safety.

The recent breach in the 125-year-old Penna anicut due to heavy inflow about 1.50 cusecs) amply reveals that the flow in the streams and rivers is yet to recede.

With the prospect of rains lashing the district till December looming large, farmers are worried about the safety of tanks that are already in precarious condition as any more inflow may pose a threat.

It may be noted that the 122-ft-long breach in the Penna anicut has resulted in wastage of water thus affecting the prospects of crops in an extent of one lakh acres in Kovur, Serveypalle and Nellore rural constituencies.

However, the district administration assured to arrest the wastage of water by forming a ringbund around the breached part of the anicut, which was proving to be a tough task with floods still not receding.

The authorities were forced to let out 6 tmc ft of water into the sea keeping in view the safety of the dams across Penna, as its tributaries, including Boggeru and Beeraperu are in full flow. This apart, the inflow into the Somasila dam in the upstream of Penna, is still unabated with 12000 cusecs of waters from Papagni and Kundhu in Kadapa district in the upper reaches of Penna flowing into it.

According to officials, water in 515 tanks of the 742 tanks under the irrigation department crossed the danger mark, while 842 tanks of the 988 tanks under the Panchayath Raj were also reaching the danger level. Any further inflow may cause breaches to tanks.

The existing tanks are in a bad condition, which was evident from the damage of 292 tanks during the recent heavy rains. The district administration has sent proposals worth `3.63 crore for undertaking temporary repairs and `10 crore for permanent repairs to tanks.

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