Road connectivity between Cheekupalli and Gummadidoddi in Wajedu mandal remained snapped for the second consecutive day on Wednesday due to the submergence of a low-lying causeway by a swollen stream at Cheekupalli in Bhadrachalam division.
Around 25 villages, including several tribal habitations in Wajedu mandal, were cut off from the rest of the district as floodwaters inundated the low-level causeway. The residents of several habitations surrounding Cheekupalli and nearby gram panchayats in the mandal faced severe hardships in commuting to Perur and back as the causeway remained under a sheet of water.
Three boats were pressed into service to ferry the commuters and motorbikes between Gummadidoddi and Cheekupalli. Several villagers, including farmers and students, crossed the swollen stream in country boats to reach their destinations.
The inordinate delay in the construction of a new bridge in place of the low-level causeway evoked flak from residents of Cheekupalli and its surrounding villages, as well as elected public representatives.
“The laxity of contractors in the execution of works on the new bridge, coupled with official apathy, has led to this situation,” lamented Bhadrachalam MLA Sunnam Rajaiah.
He demanded that the government departments and agencies concerned should ensure expeditious completion of the work on the new bridge on top priority to alleviate the travails of the commuters, Mr. Rajaiah demanded.
Meanwhile, the Godavari’s water level at Bhadrachalam rose steadily on Wednesday following heavy downpour in the catchment area of the river in Maharashtra. Sources at the temple town said the water level had reached 30 feet on Wednesday evening. This is a mere 13 feet below the first warning level of 43 feet, they said.
