Hyderabad: Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Thursday visited Narmala in Rajanna Sircilla district, where seven people trapped at the Upper Manair Project were rescued after a night-long operation. He met the victims and praised the district administration for their swift and determined efforts.
Bandi Sanjay commended Collector Sandeep Kumar Jha and Superintendent of Police Mahesh B. Gautam for personally monitoring the rescue from Wednesday afternoon until early Thursday morning. “They are great officers who ensured that every life was saved,” he remarked, noting that both officials remained at the site, coordinated with NDRF teams, and oversaw arrangements until the stranded villagers were brought back safely.
Army helicopters airlift stranded villagers
The seven people – identified as farmers Jangam Swami, Pitla Swami, Pitla Mahesh, Pitla Narsimlu, Dhyanaboyina Swami, along with Bise Pradeep and Bise Chaya – were stranded on the other side of the project while grazing cattle when sudden flood inflows cut off access. Officials provided them food during the night and maintained constant surveillance of rising waters.
On Thursday morning, Army helicopters from Hakimpet were deployed and successfully airlifted all seven individuals to safety.
Leaders monitored operations closely
Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and Government Whip and Vemulawada MLA Adi Srinivas were also in constant touch with officials. Adi Srinivas supervised the operations directly at the site alongside the Collector and SP.
Later, Bandi Sanjay said the rescue was an example of coordination between central and state agencies. He assured that the government would continue extending full support to flood-hit families in Sircilla and other districts. “The priority is to protect lives, and officers here have set a remarkable example,” he said.
