Uttam Kumar: Scientific measures underway to salvage Kaleshwaram barrages

Hyderabad: Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy said systematic and scientific efforts were underway to salvage the damaged Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages of the Kaleshwaram project.

He chaired a review meeting at Dr BR Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat to assess the progress of rehabilitation works and review coordination with the Central Water Commission (CWC).

Corrective action underway, says Uttam Kumar

The minister said the government’s priority was to restore the barrages responsibly so that the massive public expenditure incurred under the previous BRS regime could be safeguarded and put to proper use.

“The Vigilance, National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) and Judicial Commission reports pointed to systemic failures and irrational decisions that led to the collapse of the Medigadda barrage and the leakages in the Annaram and Sundilla barrages. There were lapses at both the political and engineering levels. Our government is taking corrective action through scientific methods to salvage the structures,” he said.

Design changes to be made

Uttam Kumar Reddy noted that since the Central Designs Organisation (CDO) of the Irrigation Department had also been criticised by investigating agencies, the government decided to engage independent, highly qualified technical institutions and consultants.

“We approached the CWC for guidance on restoration. The CWC advised that designs be prepared by well-qualified and experienced technical experts, which they will vet, approve and guide through execution,” he explained.

He said the government had invited Requests for Proposals (RFPs) from reputed firms.

“Several companies have responded, and we are giving preference to those that have formal MoUs or tie-ups with premier institutions such as IITs or other Government of India technical bodies,” the minister added.

Further investigations to start in 2 weeks

Uttam Kumar Reddy said that once the floodwaters receded, a series of tests would be conducted by the Pune-based Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), a Government of India organisation.

These tests, including geo-physical and hydraulic investigations, would help determine the extent of damage and guide design consultants in preparing a rehabilitation plan. He added that testing carried out during the monsoon had been completed and that further investigations would begin within 15 to 20 days once river discharge levels dropped.

Original contractors to bear repairs costs for fixing damaged structures

Five agencies had been shortlisted initially, from which three would be selected for the final stage based on technical and financial evaluations.

The shortlisted firms were required to have a proven track record in dam safety and tie-ups with reputed technical organisations. The selected consultant would use CWPRS data to prepare detailed designs and cost estimates for restoring all three barrages. The minister made it clear that the entire cost of testing and repairs would be borne by the original contractors responsible for the damaged structures.

He said the designs prepared by the consultants would be vetted by the CWC before execution begins. “Work on rehabilitation will commence as soon as the water recedes and the final approvals are received from the CWC. Our goal is to ensure technical integrity, accountability and full recovery of public assets,” he said.

‘Lapses in design, financial management and vigilance’

The minister stated that the NDSA report highlighted design defects, inadequate model studies, and lapses during execution and operation, while the Judicial Commission pointed to financial irregularities, poor quality control, lack of planning, and deficiencies in investigation and design. The Vigilance Department report, he added, recommended criminal action against certain officials and contractors for negligence and irregularities in construction.

Other irrigation projects reviewed

Alongside Kaleshwaram, the minister reviewed several other irrigation issues, including the Sammakka Sarakka Project, investment clearances for Seethamma Sagar, Sitarama Sagar, Modikunta Vagu, Chanaka-Korata, and Chinna Kaleshwaram projects.

He instructed officials to speed up clearance before the CWC’s Technical Advisory Committee and coordinate with the Chhattisgarh Government for a No Objection Certificate. He also reviewed KWDT-II (Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II) matters scheduled for later this month, progress of the Dr BR Ambedkar Pranahita-Chevella Sujala Sravanti Project at Tummidihetti, and the national framework on desiltation and desedimentation, including ongoing works at Lower Maniar Dam and Kadam projects.

Uttam Kumar Reddy also examined the strengthening of the Inter-State Water Resources (ISWR) unit, progress of Package-6 and other revised estimates of the J Chokka Rao Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme, and the Heliborne Aerial Magnetic Survey being conducted for the SLBC Tunnel.

He reviewed legal and environmental matters, including court cases, NGT proceedings and related clearances, as well as the strengthening of the CDO Department. He also assessed the progress of the Dindi Project, the alternative bridge at Jurala, and the commencement of lining work on the Singur canal.

Reaffirming the Congress government’s commitment to transparency, technical integrity and accountability, Uttam Kumar Reddy said every irrigation work involved significant public resources. “We will ensure that engineering standards are upheld, responsibilities fixed and outcomes monitored,” he said.