Kaleshwaram project repairs: Uttam Kumar Reddy sets deadline for barrage restoration
HYDERABAD: Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy directed officials to immediately accelerate rehabilitation works for the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages under the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIS), aiming to make them fully operational as soon as possible.
After a high-level review with key officials, CWPRS representatives, design consultants, and implementation agencies including L&T, the Minister affirmed the government’s commitment to restore the barrages within a defined timeline.
Uttam Kumar Reddy noted that statutory agencies, including the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) and the Vigilance Commission, already flagged serious defects in the foundations, design, planning, and execution of all three barrages. He added that the fundamental problems are identical across the three structures.
Setting clear timelines, the Minister instructed officials to prioritize the 2027 and 2028 working seasons for KLIS repairs. He expects officials to complete Annaram and Sundilla within the set timeline and to make Medigadda at least partially operational during this period.
Detailing design efforts, the government appointed AFRY India, in joint venture with IIT Mumbai, as the design consultant. The Minister directed the design team to work continuously, seven days a week. He said, “We need the design as early as possible,” and noted that officials must send the designs to the Central Water Commission (CWC) for approval immediately after submission. He instructed the consultants to maintain regular communication with Secretary Parikshit Mehra and to report any issues directly to him.
Emphasizing the scientific approach, comprehensive geophysical, geotechnical, soil, and hydraulic modeling studies will support the design process. The Minister directed officials to prioritize all necessary tests and data collection. He instructed CWPRS, Pune, a Government of India organization responsible for tests and studies, to treat the Kaleshwaram barrage rehabilitation as its highest priority.
Outlining oversight and coordination, the Minister directed government advisor Adityanath Das to coordinate with the CWC to obtain necessary Government of India approvals. He also instructed CWPRS personnel to remain onsite throughout the 45-day testing period. The Minister announced the immediate formation of a high-powered Steering Committee, led by Col. Parikshit Mehra, to oversee the implementation of rehabilitation works. The committee will meet twice weekly, and the Minister will join virtually as needed to review progress. A dedicated officer will monitor daily progress.
The Minister instructed executing agencies, including L&T, to immediately reactivate camps, mess facilities, and logistics to ensure accommodation and food for engineers, technicians, and rig operators. The agencies will proceed with sand removal, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) tests, and site preparation with full support.
The Minister emphasized that the designer, CWPRS, department engineers, and agency representatives must jointly witness all tests and thoroughly document all activities.
The Kaleshwaram project, vital for irrigation in Telangana, has encountered technical challenges in recent months. With the new steering committee and support from institutions such as IIT Mumbai and CWPRS, the government aims to restore the project’s functionality within a set timeframe.
