Harish Rao Flags Safety Concerns Over Blasting Near Mallanna Sagar

Former minister T. Harish Rao has alleged that unauthorised blasting near the Mallanna Sagar reservoir bund is threatening its safety and causing cracks in houses in Thipparam village. Acting on complaints from residents, he visited the reservoir on Thursday, inspected the bund and the reported blasting site, and demanded an immediate halt to the operations. He also called for a detailed safety assessment by expert engineers, questioning how explosives could be used so close to a major irrigation project.

Harish Rao said villagers had complained that powerful explosions were being carried out at night, reportedly within 100 to 200 metres of the bund. Thipparam sarpanch Bhadrappa had brought the issue to his attention. Residents claimed that the vibrations had damaged houses nearly a kilometre away, causing wall cracks and displacing household items.

According to Harish Rao, gelatin sticks had allegedly been used for blasting within 150 metres of the structure over the past two to three months. He cited safety requirements that, given the bund’s approximate height of 40 metres, should restrict such activities within a 400-metre radius.

The former minister said construction of a sump and pumping station was under way to transfer water for the Musi River beautification project. He clarified that the BRS was not opposed to development but insisted that construction must comply with safety regulations. He also expressed concern over reports of increased water seepage near the bund, calling for an expert inspection to establish whether the structure had suffered any damage.

Harish Rao questioned the lack of clarity among police, irrigation and revenue officials regarding permissions for the blasting. He alleged that operations continued despite instructions from irrigation authorities to stop unauthorised work. He demanded an FIR against those responsible and action against officials found to have neglected their duties.

He also raised concerns over compensation for farmers affected by land acquisition involving around 60 acres. Demanding ₹20 lakh per acre, he called for fair compensation under the 2013 land acquisition law and threatened a BRS protest if the grievances remained unresolved.

Harish Rao said he would write to Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, seeking an immediate inspection, compensation for families whose houses were damaged and reconstruction where necessary. He warned that any damage to Mallanna Sagar could affect irrigation and drinking water supplies.

The allegations require independent technical verification to determine whether the blasting has compromised the reservoir’s safety.