Archive · 12 Sep 2026
New Regulator Planned After Repalle Main Drain Structure Collapses
A water-control structure on the Repalle Main Drain broke on Thursday.
The drain bed was worn away by flowing water.
Two nearby embankments, called bunds, also broke in small sections.
Farmers had stored water to help grow crops because rainfall and water supplies were low.
Officials said the water rose to about seven feet.
Workers will place sandbags over the broken bund sections.
They will also install a new regulator on Friday.
The old regulator was about 25 to 30 years old.
Water resources authorities will install a new regulator at the Repalle Main Drain on Friday.
The existing regulator caved in after the drain bed was scoured on Thursday.
Two bund sections supporting the regulator also suffered breaches.
Authorities will use sandbags to bridge the breached bund portions immediately.
Officials said stored water, heavy inflow and the regulator’s 25–30-year age contributed to the damage.
- Who
- Water resources authorities, including superintending engineer P. Venkata Ratnam, are handling the repairs.
- What
- The Repalle Main Drain regulator caved in, and two supporting bund sections were breached; authorities plan to install a new regulator and use sandbags for repairs.
- When
- The regulator failed on Thursday, and the new regulator and immediate repairs are planned for Friday.
- Where
- At Gudavalli in Cherukupalli mandal, Bapatla district, on the Repalle Main Drain.
- Why
- The drain bed was scoured amid a large inflow of water; officials also cited the regulator’s age and stored water reaching seven feet.
- Drain
- Repalle Main Drain
- Location
- Gudavalli, Cherukupalli mandal, Bapatla district
- Damage
- Regulator caved in and two bund sections breached
- Planned repair
- Install a new regulator and arrange sandbags
- Failure date
- Thursday
- Repair date
- Friday
- Regulator age
- Approximately 25–30 years
- Reported water height
- Seven feet