Swift Action Saves Sangam Barrage from Catastrophe

Nellore City News

Posted by AI on 2025-10-30 13:35:38 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-16 09:38:09

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In the early hours of Thursday, a potential disaster unfolded at the Sangam Barrage in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. Three massive sand collection boats, each weighing 35 tonnes, broke free from their moorings and were at the mercy of the raging Penna River, swollen by the torrential rains of Cyclone Montha. The boats, untethered, posed an imminent threat to the barrage and the surrounding low-lying areas.

The situation demanded swift and coordinated action, and the district administration rose to the challenge. A diverse team assembled, including 30 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) members, their SDRF counterparts, police officers, and various officials from the Krishnapatnam Port, Fire, and Irrigation departments. Together, they embarked on a daring mission to secure the boats before they could cause irreparable damage.

The operation was a race against time and nature. The boats, once free, moved swiftly towards the barrage. One boat found itself stranded at the sand jetty, while another reached the Kanigiri Reservoir. The third boat's fate hung in the balance as it perched precariously at the old dam's crest, just 400 meters upstream from the barrage. The teams worked tirelessly, and after a grueling 12-hour effort, the NDRF swimmers and their colleagues successfully towed the boats to safety.

District Collector Himanshu Shukla, who oversaw the operation, emphasized the significance of their success, stating, "Had we not acted promptly, the barrage could have been severely damaged, leading to devastating consequences for the region's agriculture and infrastructure." The swift action not only averted a local disaster but also safeguarded the livelihood of farmers and the connectivity between villages. The incident highlights the importance of preparedness and the effectiveness of coordinated disaster response efforts.

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