Konaseema Collector R. Mahesh Kumar’s kayak overturns in canal, he escapes unhurt

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema District Collector R. Mahesh Kumar had a miraculous escape after a small boat (kayak) overturned while he was riding it alone in the irrigation canal during the inspection-cum trial-run of the three-day national-level water sports competitions at Pulidindi village of Atreyapuram Mandal on Friday (January 02).

The second edition of the water sports competitions will be held in the irrigation canal between January 11 and 13 to attract tourists as part of Sankranti festival in Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema District.

Kothapeta MLA Bandaru Satyananda Rao said that Mr. Mahesh Kumar rode the boat, which had overturned twice as part of the trial-run-cum inspection of the waterway. “Mr. Mahesh Kumar has been trained in Kayaking. However, he did not sustain any injuries during the inspection after which he attended a government programme,” said Mr. Satyananda Rao.

As many as 27 teams have registered for the dragon boat race and Kayaking competitions.

In an official release, Mr. Mahesh Kumar has said that all the safety measures are being taken for the water sports competitions. The boating and Kayaking competitions will be conducted for four kilometres of waterway between Pulidindi and Lolla Irrigation lock.