Lokesh lays foundation for retaining wall along Krishna river

Minister for Education and IT Nara Lokesh laid foundation stone on Monday for the construction of a retaining wall along the right bank of Krishna river, downstream of Prakasam Barrage, near Seethanagaram in Tadepalli town, in Guntur district.

He also unveiled the plaque for the project during a small ceremony. The 1.7-km retaining wall between the railway bridge and Varadhi is set to be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹294.20 crore.

The wall, which will be able to withstand 15 lakh cusecs of flood inflows, is aimed at protecting several low-lying localities in Tadepalli, including Sundarayya Nagar and Mahanadu Colony, which have been vulnerable to flooding during periods of heavy inflow into the river.

The wall will be built using pile-raft technology, considered suitable for riverbank protection works. As part of the design, nearly 1,920 piles will be driven into the ground at depths ranging from 26 to 38 metres to provide additional stability and ensure the structure can withstand strong water currents and possible seismic forces, according to the Minister’s office.

IT Minister en route to laying the foundation stone for the construction of a retaining wall, downstream on the right side of Prakasam Barrage, at Mahanadu in Guntur district on Monday.
| Photo Credit:
G.N. RAO

The structure is also expected to safeguard key areas within Amaravati capital region and provide protection to nearby infrastructure, including stretches connected to National Highway 65.

Andhra Pradesh Padmashali Welfare and Development Corporation chairman A. Nandam, TTD Board member T. Janaki Devi, TDP Guntur parliamentary general secretary Pothineni Srinivasa Rao, District Collector A. Thameem Ansariya, and others were present on the occasion.