Amaravati, September 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Rescue teams continued their search on Sunday for two youths who went missing after entering the Veligonda Project feeder canal in Andhra Pradesh’s Markapuram district, officials said.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening when the two youths, who had gone to see the water in the recently inaugurated project, entered the feeder canal. One of them was reportedly swept away by the strong current, prompting the other to attempt a rescue. Both were subsequently washed away.
The missing youths were identified as Koppala Raj Kumar and Kuppala Vinay Kumar, who belong to the same family.
Following an alert from local residents, police and firefighting personnel launched a search operation. The operation was suspended late Saturday due to darkness and resumed on Sunday morning with the assistance of expert swimmers.
Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu expressed shock over the incident and spoke to the District Collector and Superintendent of Police. He directed officials to intensify the search and take special measures to prevent people from entering the feeder canal and Nallamala Sagar.
Ramanaidu cautioned that the feeder canal has a strong water flow and warned people against venturing into it. He also said the uneven bed of Nallamala Sagar makes it difficult to assess the depth at different points.
The minister directed police and revenue officials to strengthen security arrangements around the feeder canal and Nallamala Sagar.
The first phase of the Veligonda Project was inaugurated by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on August 31. The project is designed to divert Krishna River water from the Srisailam Reservoir to Nallamala Sagar through gravity, with the water subsequently distributed through canals for irrigation and drinking water needs.
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