Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has expressed suspicions about the damage to the Prakasam Barrage, a critical infrastructure on the Krishna River, which was exacerbated by the collision of several boats during the peak of the flood season.
The Prakasam Barrage Incident
The incident occurred when three heavy boats weighing 40-50 tonnes each were swept away by the swollen Krishna River and crashed into the barrage’s gates at numbers 67, 69, and 70.
The collision damaged the counterweights of the gates, though the main structure of the barrage remained largely unscathed.
The boats, owned by Ushadri Rammohan, an individual with alleged ties to YSRCP leaders, have become central to the unfolding political drama.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Naidu expressed his suspicion of foul play, suggesting that the positioning of these boats might not have been accidental. “How can someone be so careless with boats that cost Rs 1.5 crore each?” he questioned, hinting at a deeper conspiracy to cause distress during the flood management operations.
“We will find out where these boats came from and who they belong to,” Mr. Naidu declared, emphasizing his government’s commitment to uncovering the truth behind what he perceives as an attempt to undermine the state’s flood response efforts.
Political analysts, too, have found the incident mysterious.
The investigation
The Andhra Pradesh police have confirmed that they are treating the incident as a potential act of sabotage. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances under which the boats were moved from their usual anchorage at Uddandarayunipalem village to a position where they could be swept into the barrage.
This incident raised questions about the security measures around critical infrastructure and fueled political tensions. YSRCP leaders have countered the accusations by pointing out the historical inefficiencies in flood management under previous administrations, suggesting a lack of foresight rather than sabotage.