IT Minister Nara Lokesh on Monday laid the foundation stone for the construction of a retaining wall downstream on the right side of the Prakasam barrage at Mahanad in Guntur district. | Photo credit: GN Rao
Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh on Monday laid the foundation stone for the construction of a retaining wall along the right bank of the Krishna river, downstream of Prakasam barrage, near Seethanagaram in Tadepalli town of Guntur district.
He also unveiled a plaque commemorating the project during a small ceremony. A 1.7 km long retaining wall between the railway bridge and Varadhi is to be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹294.20 crore.
The wall, which will be able to withstand flood inflows of 15 million cusecs, is aimed at protecting several low-lying localities in Tadepalli, including Sundarayya Nagar and Mahanadu Colony, which were vulnerable to floods during periods of heavy inflow into the river.
The wall will be built using pile raft technology, which is considered suitable for riverside protection works. As part of the proposal, nearly 1,920 piles will be driven into the ground at depths ranging from 26 to 38 meters to provide additional stability and ensure the structure can withstand strong water currents and possible seismic forces, according to the minister’s office.
The IT Minister on his way to lay the foundation stone for the construction of a retaining wall, downstream on the right side of the Prakasam barrage, at Mahanad in Guntur district on Monday. | Photo credit: GN RAO
The structure is also expected to protect key areas in the capital region of Amaravati and provide protection to nearby infrastructure, including sections connected to National Highway 65.
Andhra Pradesh Padmashali Welfare and Development Corporation Chairman A. Nandam, TTD Board Member T. Janaki Devi, TDP General Secretary Guntur Pothineni Srinivasa Rao, District Collector A. Thameem Ansariya and others were present on the occasion.
Published – March 9, 2026 7:44 PM IST
