Published Apr 13, 2026 | 1:13 AM ⚊ Updated Apr 13, 2026 | 1:13 AM
Medigadda Barrage (X)
Synopsis: Telangana Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy has asked officials to fast-track rehabilitation of the Kaleshwaram barrages—Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla—to restore operations under a time-bound plan, in a policy U-turn from the government’s earlier stance of “science over speed”. The state has commissioned a fresh design through an AFRY India–IIT Mumbai joint venture, directed CWPRS to prioritise testing, and set up a steering committee for oversight.
Telangana Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy asked officials to fast-track rehabilitation of the three Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project barrages—Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla—to bring them back into operation at the earliest under a time-bound programme.
He issued the direction at a high-level review on Sunday, 12 April, at his Secretariat chambers with department officials, CWPRS representatives, and agencies handling design and implementation, including L&T.
Irrigation Secretary E Sridhar, tunnel expert and Secretary Col Parikshit Mehra, Irrigation Advisor Adityanath Das, ENC (General) Rameshbabu, Joint Secretary K Srinivas, ENC (Admin) T Srinivas and CWPRS Additional Director Selva Balan were among those present.
The direction marks a policy U-turn. While in the opposition earlier, the Congress had repeatedly condemned the Kaleshwaram project—built under the previous BRS regime—as one riddled with corruption, engineering flaws, and financial mismanagement. Since coming to power, leaders of the Congress government have said their priority was “science over speed and accountability over symbolism.”
“We will ensure that engineering standards are upheld, responsibilities fixed, and outcomes monitored. Our priority is to restore the barrages responsibly and safeguard the investment already made,” Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy had earlier said.
At Sunday’s meeting, the minister said the next two working seasons (2027 and 2028) are crucial to completing KLIS repairs. He said Annaram and Sundilla could be completed within the set timeline, while Medigadda can be made at least partially operational in the same period.
He said statutory agencies, including the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) and the Vigilance Commission, have 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.
The government has finalised a design consultant: AFRY India, working in a joint venture with IIT Mumbai. The minister told the design team to work round the clock, seven days a week.
“We need the design as early as possible,” Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy said, because it must be sent to the Central Water Commission (CWC) for approval immediately after submission.
He asked the consultants to stay in constant touch with Secretary Col Parikshit Mehra and bring any issues directly to his notice.
The design process will be backed by comprehensive geophysical, geotechnical, soil and hydraulic modelling studies. The minister said all required tests and data must be completed on priority.
CWPRS told to prioritise tests; daily monitoring
The Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune has been asked to treat the Kaleshwaram barrage rehabilitation as its top priority.
He asked Government Adviser Adityanath Das to coordinate with the CWC to secure the approvals needed from the Government of India. CWPRS personnel must be stationed at the sites continuously until the 45-day testing window is complete.
The minister also announced a high-powered steering committee with immediate effect, with Col Parikshit Mehra as convenor to lead the rehabilitation works.
The committee will meet twice a week, with the minister joining if needed, including virtually, to review progress. A dedicated officer will monitor progress daily.
Executing agencies, including L&T, have been told to immediately reactivate their camps, mess facilities and logistics so engineers, technicians and rig operators face no accommodation or food issues. Sand removal, GPR (geophysical) tests and site preparation will be carried out with full support from the agencies.
The minister said all tests must be jointly witnessed by the designer, CWPRS, department engineers and agency representatives, and properly documented.
