Major mishap averted as sand boats drift towards Sangam barrage in Nellore
A major mishap was averted at the Sangam Barrage on the Penna River in Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore district on Thursday, when three boats used for sand collection were swept away by strong flood currents and drifted dangerously towards the barrage gates.
According to official sources, the boats, which were anchored near the riverbank, were caught in the heavy inflow of water following increased discharge from upstream areas. The incident occurred when water levels in the Penna River rose sharply due to continuous rainfall in the upper catchment areas of Anantapur and YSR Kadapa districts. The surge of inflows forced authorities to increase releases from the Somasila Reservoir, resulting in a strong downstream current.
It was stated that the boats were unmanned at the time of the incident. Observing the movement of the drifting boats, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team stationed near the barrage acted promptly. The personnel used ropes and rescue equipment to bring the boats under control before they could collide with the barrage structure. The quick action of the NDRF team was credited with preventing a major disaster.
No loss of life or injury was reported. Officials from the Irrigation Department and Revenue Department rushed to the spot and monitored the situation. The boats were later secured at a safe distance from the barrage.
The Sangam Barrage, located about 20 km from Nellore city, plays a crucial role in regulating the Penna River’s flow and supplying water to irrigation canals. Due to its strategic importance, the structure is constantly monitored during the monsoon season.
Flood inflows into the Penna River have been increasing steadily over the past two days following widespread rains in the catchment regions. Authorities have appealed to sand mining operators and locals to avoid venturing near the riverbanks until the flow subsides.
Similar incidents have been reported in the past in the Nellore region. In August 2021, a sand-laden boat capsized near Sangam, claiming two lives. In September 2022, another mechanized sand dredging boat was washed away near Jonnawada before being retrieved by rescue teams. These repeated incidents have raised concerns over safety practices in sand extraction activities along the Penna River, particularly during periods of heavy inflow.
The district administration has been advised to strengthen safety protocols and restrict unauthorized sand mining operations in flood-prone areas. Officials confirmed that the situation at the Sangam Barrage is currently under control and that inflows are being closely monitored.