₹2.10 Cr Worth Repair Works Begin At Prakasam Barrage
The bulkhead gate, currently located near Seetanagaram, will be towed to the damaged site using a punt: Reports
VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh water resources authorities have taken up repair and maintenance works at the Prakasam Barrage across the Krishna River at an estimated cost of ₹2.10 crore.
Repair works are being carried out on damaged crest gate No. 67, one of the 70 crest gates of the barrage, which was hit by three to four fishing boats that went adrift during floods earlier. Officials found that rollers on one side of the gate were damaged. To facilitate repairs, a 50-tonne bulkhead gate will be installed to stop water flow, after which the damaged rollers will be repaired or replaced.
The bulkhead gate, currently located near Seetanagaram, will be towed to the damaged site using a punt.
Authorities are also undertaking painting works of operational equipment of crest and sluice gates to ensure smooth regulation of water flow, at a cost of ₹2 crore. Regular servicing and maintenance of gates and equipment will be carried out during April and May to keep the barrage ready for the water year beginning in June.
Krishna conservator R. Ravi Kiran said the works were expected to be completed by the end of January.
At present, the water level at the barrage stands at 11.3 feet, with about 6,000 cusecs being released into canals for irrigation. The barrage has 84 gates, including 70 crest gates and 14 sluice gates.