Pedda Vagu Breach: Former minister Harish demands inquiry into Pedda Vagu breach | Hyderabad News
HYDERABAD: Former minister and MLA T Harish Rao alleged that the state govt was responsible for the recent breach of the Pedda Vagu project near Gummadivalli in the Aswaraopeta mandal and demanded the govt to order an inquiry into this. He blamed the breach, which washed away the embankment and caused losses of 100 crores, on negligence and slow action by officials.
To support the affected farmers, Harish Rao demanded compensation of Rs. 25,000 per acre for sand deposits and Rs. 10,000 per acre for crop losses. He also called for the free supply of seeds and fertilizers for alternative crop cultivation and immediate assistance from the natural calamity fund for those who lost livestock. Immediate support is urgently needed for the affected farmers, Harish Rao said. A thorough investigation must be conducted to ensure accountability and prevent future disasters.
Harish Rao said that the disaster could have been prevented if the district collector and irrigation officials had acted on farmers’ warnings and opened the project gates in time. “Why were the gates not opened even as water overflowed for four to five hours? Why were only two of the three gates eventually lifted?” he asked. “Who would have taken responsibility if the breach had flooded Gummadivalli village and endangered hundreds of tribals?”
The Pedda Vagu project, located in Telangana and supervised by irrigation officials from Bhadradri Kothagudem district, caused severe damage to the villages of Gummadivalli, Rangapuram, Koyarangapuram, Buchuwarigudem, and Narayanapuram. In addition to crop destruction, there was significant livestock loss.
Harish Rao condemned the Telangana government’s response and said the two-day delay by ministers in addressing the breach. He criticized the combined Khammam district, which has three ministers, for their lack of immediate action.
