Source Report from Deccan Chronicle: VIJAYAWADA: A crocodile sighted on a sand dune in the Krishna riverbed, upstream of Prakasam Barrage near Tallayapalem, has caused a scare and prompted the water resources authorities to alert fishermen and the public. Some people noticed the crocodile and cautioned the fishermen about it and they in turn alerted the fisheries department officials, who informed the water authorities, who then sought intervention of the NTR district collector, following which forest officials were asked to capture the crocodile. Officials are making arrangements to bring experts from a zoo in Visakhapatnam or Tirupati, along with local people, to capture the crocodile. Krishna conservator R. Ravi Kiran said, “We have sounded an alert among the fishermen and the general public to be cautious about the crocodile until it is captured to avoid any trouble.” Water authorities suspect that the crocodile may have entered the Krishna basin through the pumps of the Pattiseema lift irrigation project, through which Godavari water has been diverted to the Krishna basin in recent days. The Pattiseema project has 24 pumps, each with a diametre of 3.2 metres. Godavari water is lifted when the water level at Pattiseema crosses 14 metres. Each pump is fitted with an iron mesh to prevent garbage from entering. Officials said there was a possibility of a crocodile entering a pump if the mesh was not properly fixed or had an opening. Forest officials may begin efforts to capture the crocodile on Wednesday after the experts arrive in the city. With no significant inflows from upstream projects such as Srisailam, Nagarjuna Sagar and Pulichintala, officials suspect that the crocodile may have originated in the Godavari River. Crocodiles are also sighted on sand dunes during boat rides to Papikondalu. Nearly 20tmc of Godavari water has reached the Krishna basin this season since pumping began on July 8. A total of 462tmc of Godavari water has been pumped into the Krishna basin since the Pattiseema project was commissioned. Meanwhile, the mixing of Godavari water with the Krishna River has turned the water reddish brown, attracting visitors to Prakasam barrage. Several commuters and visitors have been stopping at the barrage to watch the flow and take photographs. Polavaram left main canal superintendent D. Yesu Babu said, “The muddy Godavari water is said to be giving more farm produce to the farmers in Krishna delta.”
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Source Report from Deccan Chronicle: Atmakur (Andhra Pradesh): Three persons have been apprehended for allegedly possessing tiger nails here in Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh forest officials have said. Forest officials apprehended Y Thimmaiah (45), Kunchala Mallikarjuna (37) and Karravula Venkateswaralu (35) under relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972."The Forest Department has detected a wildlife offence involving the possession of six suspected tiger claws (nails) and has apprehended three persons in connection with the case," an official press release said from Project Tiger Division, Atmakur, late on Monday. According to the Forest officials, surveillance teams intercepted a person in Atmakur town on August 5 around 10:30 am, based on reliable intelligence. During a search conducted in the presence of witnesses, a blue plastic cover containing six suspected tiger claws (nails) was found concealed in the petrol-tank cover of a motorbike. The suspected wildlife articles and the vehicle were seized, said the press release. Further probe indicated the alleged involvement of three persons, including the person who possessed the nails, which led to the apprehension of the trio. Statements recorded during the investigation indicated an alleged chain of procurement, possession and attempted delivery of the suspected wildlife articles, the press release added.
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Source Report from Deccan Chronicle: ANANTAPUR: A statue of Army jawan Murali Naik, who hailed from Kalli Thanda in Gorantla mandal of Sri Sathya Sai district and died in the line of duty, was unveiled at Shilparamam in Puttaparthi on Saturday. Sri Sathya Sai district collector A. Shyam Prasad and SP Satish Kumar unveiled the statue and paid floral tributes to Murali Naik. The collector said Murali Naik had died while retaliating against Pakistani forces along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir on May 9, 2025. He said the sacrifice made by Murali Naik at a young age reflected his courage, patriotism and commitment to the nation. His service would continue to inspire the youth and future generations, he said, adding that the government would extend all possible support to the martyr’s family. SP Satish Kumar said the sacrifice of soldiers guarding the country's borders was invaluable and that people could live safely because of their round-the-clock service. The people of Sri Sathya Sai district would always remember Murali Naik’s service, he said. Puttaparthi RDO Suvarna, district officials, Army representatives, public representatives, the martyr’s parents and family members and a large number of people attended the programme and paid homage to him.
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Source Report from Deccan Chronicle: A bridge in Uttarakhand’s Niti Valley was washed away after heavy rain caused the river to swell and water levels to rise sharply in Chamoli district. A video of the incident doing rounds on internet, shows a strong flow of muddy water rushing through the valley and hitting the metal bridge. The force of the water quickly broke the bridge loose and carried it towards the riverbank. The video also shows a truck and an SUV moving along the road near the river. Just before the bridge collapses into the water, both vehicles can be seen moving in another direction. Chamoli police issued a statement on X, saying, "The Tamak drain is overflowing, damaging the bridge built over the drain, disrupting traffic beyond Malari. Currently, there is no report of any loss of life.""Teams from the police, administration, SDRF, and NDRF have been dispatched to the scene. The situation is being continuously monitored," they added. The bridge collapse has disrupted the connectivity of the area to the main town. Meanwhile, the officials have asked people to stay away from the affected road and delay their travel until conditions return to normal. Those living near rivers and streams have also been told to keep a safe distance, as the water level may rise further. “Due to heavy rainfall in the Niti Valley, the water level of the Alaknanda River has risen. From a safety perspective, police teams are appealing to people living along the riverbank to move to safe locations through loudspeakers/announcements,” Chamoli police further stated on X.
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Source Report from Deccan Chronicle: NELLORE: Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy on Monday directed irrigation officials to ensure that not a drop of irrigation water is wasted and warned of strict action against those found misusing water. At a meeting at his camp office in Nellore, the minister reviewed the water position and utilisation of the Somasila and Kandaleru reservoirs and the status of irrigation projects in the district. He directed officials to assess the ayacut under cultivation, water requirements and consumption so far and distribute reservoir water according to farmers’ needs. “Not even a single drop of water can be allowed to go waste,” the minister said, adding that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had accorded priority to agriculture. He warned that stringent action would be taken against those found misusing or wasting irrigation water. Responding to the requirements raised by Kavali MLA Dagumati Venkata Krishna Reddy, Ramanarayana Reddy directed officials to take up the development and expansion of the Kavali Canal without delay. He also ordered the completion of the GKN works under the North Feeder Canal to ensure irrigation water for crops during the current agricultural season. Kavali MLA Venkata Krishna Reddy and senior irrigation officials, including superintending engineers and executive engineers of the Somasila, Kandaleru and irrigation divisions, attended the meeting.