Concrete lining along Krishna canal to check breaching

A top official said that the civic works will be carried out for a length of 337 meters. “It will reduce the breaching of sand and pave way for smooth flow of water. These works were undertaken in 2015 before the 2015 floods. The structures were damaged during the natural calamity.”

The official said that the construction of the structure can be completed within six months. “We are waiting for an official order from the State government,” he said. 

The authorities are planning to fix the chipped in lining with concrete slabs. “The cost is high but provides a long-term benefit. The heavy retaining wall helps in reducing the wastage of Krishna water. Currently, around 10 per cent is getting wasted due to the breach. This would be brought down to 5 per cent after the construction.”

The initial retaining wall will be constructed at a height of 11 feet or 3.25 metre. The Gondwana clay soil type, found in this region, shows characteristics of quick sand and swelling pressure. “This type of soil expands after it gets wet. They normally expand and occupy a large space. The swollen soil poses threat to the foundation of the immediate structure. They flow inside the structure, resulting in the collapse of wall,” said a top official.

The project was undertaken soon after the monsoon works were completed at a cost of Rs 24 lakh. An official added, “This is the first time we carried out desilt works and realised its benefits. We never had such good inflow in the past decades.”

Besides, the Krishna Supply Division receives Rs 18 lakh annually to carry out the maintenance works in the 25-km link canal.