CM Revanth reviews irrigation projects across T’gana
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed irrigation officials to complete a comprehensive review of all irrigation projects in the state and submit detailed reports on their current status. He emphasized the need for a project-wise analysis to ensure effective planning and maintenance.
The Chief Minister held a high-level review meeting with Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy to discuss the recent letter sent by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, which highlighted key concerns about dam safety and project management in Telangana.
Dam safety and CDS evaluation
Revanth Reddy instructed officials to carry out detailed assessments under the Comprehensive Dam Safety Evaluation (CDSE) framework. He ordered that status reports be prepared for every major dam in the state, including information on their structural integrity, maintenance needs, and safety systems.
Focus on barrage repairs
The meeting reviewed the condition of major barrages such as Sundilla, Annaram, and Medigadda. The Chief Minister asked officials to prepare immediate repair plans and ensure that the respective construction agencies are held accountable for existing damages.
He also decided to hold another high-level review meeting in the second week of November, based on the detailed technical and financial reports being prepared for each project.
Special plans for Tummidihatti project
Discussions were also held on developing a new project at Tummidihatti to transport around 80 TMC of water from Tummidihatti to Sundilla. The Chief Minister directed that the plan should ensure irrigation and drinking water supply for the united Adilabad district. He suggested using existing infrastructure wherever possible to save time and resources.
Further, officials were told to restore and utilize the Sundilla barrage efficiently and to work on a linkage plan to transfer water to Sripada Yellampalli.
According to the Chief Minister, this comprehensive exercise aims to strengthen Telangana’s irrigation network and enhance long-term water security.
Key Issues and Estimated Repair Costs – Telangana Barrages
Sundilla Barrage: The Sundilla Barrage has developed several structural and operational issues, including cracks in the walls, leakage near gates, silt accumulation, and mechanical faults. To address these problems, major restoration work is required. This includes structural repairs, gate rehabilitation, corrosion removal, and the installation of modern safety sensors to monitor performance. The estimated cost of the repair works is between ₹180 and ₹200 crores. A technical survey has already been completed, and the tendering process for repairs is currently underway. Additionally, a linkage plan connecting Sundilla to the Sripada Yellampalli project is in progress.
Annaram Barrage: The Annaram Barrage is facing concrete cracks and damage to several mechanical components. The repair works proposed involve reconstruction of damaged concrete structures, rehabilitation of gates, and the installation of an automated control system to improve safety and operational efficiency. The estimated cost for these works ranges from ₹120 to ₹150 crores. At present, site inspection activities are ongoing, and certain design modifications are under technical review before full-scale restoration begins.
Medigadda Barrage: Among the three, the Medigadda Barrage has the most serious concerns, primarily due to foundation instability, soil slippage near supporting pillars, and leakages attributed to design flaws. To restore stability and ensure long-term safety, plans have been drawn up to strengthen the foundation and introduce sensor-based safety monitoring systems. The estimated cost of the repair and redesign work is between ₹250 and ₹300 crores. Currently, a comprehensive redesign plan is being prepared, and accountability measures are being taken against the construction agencies involved in the original project.
Overall summary
• The total estimated repair cost for all three barrages is around ₹550-650 crore.
• All works will follow the CDSE guidelines issued by the Union Jal Shakti Ministry.
• Once repairs are completed, dam safety ratings will be re-evaluated.
• The upcoming November review meeting will finalize timelines, funding allocations, and responsibilities of executing agencies.
In essence, the Telangana government is moving swiftly to modernize its irrigation infrastructure and ensure dam safety across the state - aligning with both state priorities and central recommendations.