BJP Leader Alleges Negligence in Kandaleru Dam Safety Works

Tirupati: BJP senior leader Midathala Ramesh has alleged serious negligence in the maintenance and safety management of the Kandaleru Dam and accused officials of ignoring critical repair works while spending public funds on unnecessary projects.

In a complaint submitted to the Dam Safety Cell on Friday, Ramesh stated that the revetment protection along the earthen bund between the 8th km and 10th km stretches of the dam had been damaged even before 2020. He alleged that despite repeated concerns over the condition of the structure, officials failed to undertake strengthening works, citing lack of funds.

Ramesh said the filters located beneath the revetment had also been damaged and warned that continuous water pressure on the sand filters in the affected sections was creating a serious safety risk. He claimed that due to negligence by the authorities, even the metal filters were now under threat, which could endanger the stability of the earthen bund itself.

The BJP leader further alleged that instead of prioritising essential protection works, officials were focusing on projects intended to benefit contractors. He accused authorities of demolishing hundreds of catch canals on the dam bund using JCB machines and later presenting them as repair works worth crores of rupees.

He alleged that nearly Rs 23 crore was being misused while adequate staff were not being appointed for dam maintenance. Ramesh demanded a detailed inquiry and urged the government to immediately restore the damaged revetment to ensure the safety of the dam.