Farmers Taken Aback as Papireddy Canal Siphon Aqueduct Collapses
The gushing waters have damaged the access road to agricultural fields in Marripadu
Nellore: The siphon aqueduct on Bezawada Papireddy canal near Marripadu village in Sangam mandal of Nellore district collapsed on Sunday, triggering concern among farmers.
Collapse of the aqueduct has led to large quantities of water flowing into the Duvvuru tank,
According to farmers in the area, the aqueduct had developed minor cracks a few days ago. They had repeatedly contacted irrigation officials, asking them to reduce the water level in the canal and carry out repairs. Farmers alleged that their warnings had been ignored.
On Saturday, officials attempted temporary repairs by placing sandbags into the damaged portion. Farmers alleged that the increased weight and water pressure led to the complete collapse of the aqueduct on Sunday, causing water to gush into the nearby tank.
The gushing waters have damaged the access road to agricultural fields in Marripadu, disrupting farming activities across hundreds of acres. Farmers said they are unable to reach their fields to protect their crops.
Demanding that the state government intervene immediately, the affected farmers sought reduction in the level of water in the Bezawada Papireddy Canal, so that emergency restoration works could be taken up to prevent further damage.
Farmers have squarely blamed the canal authorities for the aqueduct’s collapse and have sought prompt action to avert a larger crisis.
