An incident occurred at the Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, when a number of boats collided with the barrage gates. Here are the key details of the event:
What Happened:
Five boats, which were reportedly untethered and swept away by heavy floodwaters in the Krishna River, drifted downstream and crashed into the barrage.
The boats collided with gates 67, 69, and 70, causing damage to the counterweights of the floodgates, particularly at gate no. 69.
One of the boats was reportedly washed downstream through the vents, and another may have sunk, while three of them became wedged between the gates.
Investigation and Aftermath:
The incident occurred during a period of severe flooding in the region, which saw unprecedented water flow at the barrage.
Authorities launched a challenging operation to remove the stuck boats, which weighed an estimated 40 to 50 tonnes each. The operation involved experts and specialized equipment.
An investigation was initiated after officials lodged a complaint suspecting sabotage, as the boats were not properly anchored and were found tied with weak ropes.
Two individuals were arrested in connection with the incident, and an investigation into the possible conspiracy behind the collision was launched.
There were no reported human casualties as a direct result of the boat collision itself. The incident was primarily a matter of structural damage to the barrage and the boats.
File photo of the sand boats that crashed into the Prakasam Barrage. | Photo Credit: G. N. RAO
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