HYDERABAD: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed irrigation department officials to immediately begin repair works on the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages, which are critical components of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme. During a high-level review meeting held on Thursday night at his Jubilee Hills residence, the Chief Minister emphasized the need to restore these structures to working condition as soon as possible.
Minister for Irrigation Uttam Kumar Reddy and senior officials attended the meeting. The Chief Minister made it clear that the goal is to complete the repairs before the end of the current monsoon season or at the earliest possible date to ensure the barrages can be utilized for the benefit of the state’s farmers.
Adherence to NDSA Recommendations
The decision comes following the sinking of piers at the Medigadda barrage last year, along with reports of leaks at the Annaram and Sundilla barrages. The state government has thoroughly examined the interim report submitted by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) regarding these structural issues.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy instructed officials that all restoration activities must strictly align with the recommendations provided in the NDSA report. He stressed that maintaining structural integrity and safety is the top priority for the government.
Special Action Plan for Restoration
To ensure the work proceeds without delays, the Chief Minister has called for the preparation of a Special Action Plan. He directed officials to:
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Continuously monitor the progress of the repair works.
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Coordinate effectively with the relevant construction agencies.
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Deploy additional manpower if necessary to speed up the process.
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Ensure that the quality of work meets international safety standards.
Focus on Farmers’ Welfare
The state government highlighted that the primary motivation behind the speedy restoration is to protect the interests of farmers. Millions of acres of agricultural land depend on the Kaleshwaram Project for irrigation. By rectifying the structural defects now, the government aims to prevent water shortages in the upcoming cropping seasons.
The Chief Minister urged officials to find permanent solutions to these engineering challenges so that past mistakes are not repeated. He suggested that suggestions from expert committees should be integrated into the final restoration strategy.
Current Status and Supervision
While temporary protective measures are already underway at the Medigadda barrage, the government’s latest directive paves the way for full-scale permanent repairs. Despite ongoing investigations into previous construction lapses and design quality, the government believes that leaving the project idle would result in significant losses for the state.
A dedicated team of officers is likely to be appointed soon to supervise the day-to-day progress of these crucial irrigation works.