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Disaster Averted at Sangam Barrage as NDRF Pulls Out 35-Tonne Boat

A major disaster was narrowly avoided at the Sangam Barrage in Andhra Pradesh's Nellore district. Three heavy sand collection boats were swept away by floodwaters from Cyclone Montha, with one becoming dangerously stuck in the barrage structure. NDRF teams worked tirelessly for 12 hours to secure and pull out the 35-tonne vessel using ropes and anchors. Officials confirmed that without this successful operation, the barrage could have suffered massive damage, threatening both the structure and surrounding agricultural areas.

Key Points: NDRF Rescues 35-Tonne Boat Stuck at Sangam Barrage in Nellore

  • Three sand collection boats swept away by Cyclone Montha flood currents on Wednesday
  • NDRF swimmers worked 12 hours to secure the 35-tonne vessel
  • Operation involved 30 NDRF personnel, 100 police and multiple agencies
  • Barrage damage would have flooded low-lying areas and affected irrigation
  • Sangam Barrage irrigates 3.85 lakh acres of farmland in Nellore district
2 min read

Major disaster averted at Sangam Barrage as NDRF pulls out heavy boat

NDRF teams averted major disaster at Sangam Barrage by pulling out a 35-tonne boat stuck in the structure after Cyclone Montha floods in Andhra Pradesh.

"If the NDRF teams had not controlled the swept-away boats, there would have been massive destruction at the barrage - Officials"

Amaravati, Oct 30

A major disaster was averted at the Sangam Barrage across Penna River in Andhra Pradesh's Nellore district on Thursday as a 35-tonne boat, stuck in the barrage, was pulled out by the NDRF teams.

It was one of three boats used for sand collection, which were swept away by strong currents following heavy rain due to Cyclone Montha on Wednesday.

While two boats were brought to the shore on Wednesday by the teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the third one remained stuck, and there was a danger of it ramming into the anicut.

NDRF swimmers and team members worked for about 12 hours to pull it out skilfully. They tied the boat on both sides to three heavy boats with ropes and locked it with an anchor.

District Collector Himanshu Shukla, Superintendent of Police Ajitha Vejendla and other officials monitored the situation.

Thirty personnel each of NDRF and SDRF, 100 policemen, Krishnapatnam Port Patrol staff, and Fire and Irrigation officials participated in the operation.

The ropes of the three boats tied to the bridge railing snapped due to the rising floodwaters on Wednesday. The freed boats quickly moved towards the barrage.

One of the three boats, stuck the sand jetty area, and got stuck, while another reached the Kanigiri reservoir. The third boat was stuck at the crest of the old dam, about 400 metres upstream of the barrage.

Since the third boat weighed 35 tonnes, it was difficult to pull it out. After strenuous efforts by NDRF teams along with others for 12 hours, it was finally pulled out.

Collector Himanshu Shukla congratulated the NDRF team.

Officials said if the NDRF teams had not controlled the swept-away boats, there would have been massive destruction at the barrage, and low-lying areas would have been severely inundated.

The Sangam Barrage, which has 85 gates, irrigates 3.85 lakh acres of fallow land in Nellore district. Officials said if it were damaged, the water would have been wasted and farmers would have suffered losses in the coming season.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the NDRF's efforts, why were these sand mining boats left in such vulnerable positions during cyclone season? Shouldn't there be better safety protocols for such operations? Prevention is better than cure.
P
Priya S
Bhai, 35 tonne boat! That's massive! And NDRF teams worked for 12 hours straight in those conditions. Salute to their dedication. These are the real heroes who don't get enough recognition. 🙏
A
Arjun K
As someone from Andhra, I know how important Sangam Barrage is for our farmers. 3.85 lakh acres depend on it! This could have been a major agricultural disaster. Thank you NDRF for saving our farmers' livelihoods.
M
Michael C
Impressive coordination between NDRF, SDRF, police, port staff and irrigation officials. Shows what can be achieved when different agencies work together seamlessly. This is how disaster management should work!
K
Kavya N
The technical skill required to handle a 35-tonne boat in floodwaters is incredible. Tying it to three heavy boats with ropes and using anchors - this is proper engineering work. NDRF teams are truly professional.

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