RAJAMAHENDRAVARAM: Lack of adequate staff coupled with the negligent attitude of the Water Resources Department (WRD) engineers has seriously affected the maintenance of the famed Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage at Dowleswaram. Besides, poor maintenance, many valuable equipment was also found to be stolen.
The barrage gate repair and fixing of electric panels and new plates under the Crest Gates have been entrusted to a private company at a cost of `29 crore. The company has so far completed only oil works on the top portion. Despite the tardy pace of works, the engineers are not bringing pressure on the contractors to speed up. Also, they are not taking steps to prevent the movement of heavy vehicles on the barrage. Godavari Delta System chief engineer S Haribabu said Dam Safety Committee (DSC) has also inspected the barrage recently to access the strength of the barrage.
Haribabu said that as many as 175 ‘break coil units’ of the 175 crest gates of the barrage have been stolen. The break coil units are used to lift the crest gates and each coil costs between `6000 and `8000.
The theft took place in May. A case has also been registered in this regard. Meanwhile, WRD Dowleswaram circle superintending engineer S Sugunakar Rao has been asked to submit a report about the theft.
On the other hand, there is acute staff shortage at the Dowleswaram barrage. While the sanctioned strength is 200, only 60 members are currently working. This includes all employees working in various departments.
There is disappointment among delta farming community about maintenance of the barrage. Farmer K Lakshman Rao of Bobbarlanka says the maintenance is not proper. Despite the crest gates being closed, there is water leakage, he says.
With heavy rains forecast this year, several experts are voicing concerns as to whether the dilapidated flood gates can withstand the floods.
