NIO Goa experts identify 14 breach-prone stretches along the Godavari river in Konaseema

National Oceanographic Institute Chief Scientist Jaya Kumar Seelam and Dr. BR Ambedkar Konaseema District Collector R. Mahesh Kumar during an online meeting in Amalapuram on Wednesday. | Photo credit: BY ARRANGEMENT

Experts from the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO-Goa), led by Principal Scientist Jaya Kumar Seelam, have identified 14 rupture-prone spots along the banks of the Gouthami and Vasista arms of the Godavari.

The Godavari River originates in Maharashtra and flows into the Bay of Bengal in Dr.BRAmbedkar Konaseema and West Godavari districts. The river witnesses at least two floods every year.

At a review meeting with representatives of the Department of Revenue and Water Resources on Wednesday, Dr. BR Ambedkar Konaseema District Collector R. Mahesh Kumar directed officials to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) and a socio-economic study on the impact on villages, crops and property along the Gouthami and Vasista banks in case of a breach of the dykes. Officials were also told to record water pressure at 14 breach-prone locations.

“Experts from NIO-Goa have recommended the riprap method where stones are placed along the embankment. We will also explore the possibility of using geotextile at some places to minimize the cost of strengthening the embankments”, said Mr. Mahesh Kumar.

Later, officials were directed to conduct a study on the impact of siltation at the confluence of two irrigation drains — the Konavaram drain and the Rameswaram drain — that inundate nearly 15,000 acres of agricultural fields in the district.

Published – 30 Sep 2026 21:34 IST