Godavari embankment at risk due to riverfront works, warns former MP

Rajamahendravaram: Former MP and YSR Congress Party national spokesperson Margani Bharat has raised concerns over the safety of the Godavari embankment in the city, claiming that the ongoing riverfront development works are exacerbating the risk of erosion. The works are part of preparations for the Godavari Pushkarams, a major religious festival scheduled for 2026.

The Godavari is one of the longest rivers in India, and Rajamahendravaram, formerly known as Rajahmundry, is a key city on its banks. The embankment serves as a protective barrier against seasonal flooding, and its stability is vital for the safety of the city's residents and infrastructure. In recent days, the river has been flowing at elevated levels due to heavy rainfall in the catchment areas.

The riverfront development project aims to beautify the city and create additional facilities for the millions of pilgrims expected to attend the Pushkarams. The plan includes the construction of ghats, walkways, and recreational spaces. While the project holds promise for the city's tourism and local economy, its impact on the river's hydrology and the embankment's integrity has been questioned by experts and citizens alike.

In his statement, Bharat detailed the damage caused by the recent floods. He said that on August 2, the river received more than 14 lakh cusecs of flood water, which led to significant erosion near the Markandeya temple area. Officials attempted to shore up the embankment with sand bags, but the force of the water rendered these efforts inadequate.

"The sand bags could not protect the embankment, and the erosion has continued since then," Bharat said. He warned that the situation could turn critical if the water level at the Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage at Dowleswaram exceeds the third warning level. The barrage, constructed in the 19th century, is a crucial irrigation structure that supports agriculture in the delta districts. Any breach in the embankment upstream could have severe consequences for the barrage and the surrounding areas.

Bharat expressed doubts about whether the riverfront works have been designed with adequate input from irrigation experts. "The way the works are being executed raises serious questions about adherence to technical recommendations. Those who ignore the threats and proceed with unscientific construction should be held accountable for any untoward incident," he asserted.

The former MP also highlighted the plight of residents in low-lying areas, particularly Kambalacheruvu. He alleged that the pumping station meant to divert rainwater has been lying idle, leading to widespread waterlogging. "At a time when the city is grappling with floodwaters, the non-functioning of the pumping station has made the situation worse for residents," he said.

As of now, there has been no official response from the district administration or the irrigation department regarding these allegations. The concerns raised by the former MP underscore the need for a thorough review of the riverfront project and the implementation of robust safety measures. With the Pushkarams only a couple of years away, ensuring the embankment's stability and addressing civic infrastructure issues will be crucial for the successful and safe conduct of the event.