Kaleshwaram project: CM Revanth issues orders to restore damaged Medigadda, Annaram, Sundilla barrages

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has directed the Irrigation Department to expedite the restoration of the three damaged barrages—Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla—of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP).

During a review meeting on Thursday, the Chief Minister said the project must be operationalised at the earliest to resume water supply. Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy was also present in the meeting.

Strict Adherence to Safety Standards

All repair works are to be executed strictly in accordance with the guidelines set by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA). The Chief Minister emphasized that there would be zero tolerance for delays and assured that the state would provide all necessary funds to ensure the work is completed without financial bottlenecks.

Major structural failures, including damage to the pillar and sagging of the bridge at Medigadda, were reported in October 2023. The barrage was emptied after the National Dam Safety Authority inspected it. The barrage and the project have been non-operational for two years.

What is the Medigadda Action Plan?

In a significant technical update, engineers informed the Chief Minister that the damage assessment would not be limited to the sunken piers at Medigadda. Instead, a comprehensive study of the entire 1.6-kilometer barrage is required.

To facilitate this, the government has authorized:

500 Borewells: An immediate action plan to drill 500 borewells near Medigadda to facilitate geotechnical investigations and structural strengthening.

Base Camp: The establishment of a dedicated base camp at Medigadda to ensure 24/7 monitoring of the works.

Personal Inspection: The Chief Minister announced he would personally visit the site once the works commence.

Multi-Agency Oversight

To ensure the highest quality of repairs, a dedicated team is being constituted, comprising:

The State Irrigation Department

Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS)

Central Water Commission (CWC)

Original construction agencies and design consultants

The CM specifically directed that all sample collections and tests being conducted by the CWPRS must be finished before the onset of the monsoon season.

December 2026 timeline

The Irrigation Department has been tasked with preparing a detailed work schedule that outlines all milestones leading up to December 2026. This timeline is intended to ensure that the barrages are structurally sound and ready for full-scale operation by the end of the year.

"The Kaleshwaram project is public property built with public money. We must restore its utility while ensuring every safety protocol is followed to prevent future damage," the Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said.