Minister Uttam Sets Strict Deadlines for Kaleshwaram Barrages Restoration

The Telangana government has intensified focus on the restoration of key barrages under the prestigious Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy directed officials to bring the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages back to full operational capacity on a war footing.

The Minister conducted a high-level review meeting at his chamber in the Secretariat with senior Irrigation Department officials, representatives of the Central Water and Power Research Station, and construction agencies including L&T. During the meeting, he stated that the National Dam Safety Authority and the Vigilance Commission had already identified serious deficiencies in foundation, design, planning and construction across all three barrages. He noted that these issues were common to all structures.

Uttam Kumar Reddy emphasised that 2027 and 2028 are critical years for the restoration of the Kaleshwaram project. He instructed that Annaram and Sundilla barrages must be made fully operational within the stipulated deadline , while Medigadda should be made at least partially operational in parallel .

The government has appointed Afri India in collaboration with IIT Bombay for design works. The Minister directed the design team to work 24x7 and submit designs at the earliest, after which they will be sent to the Central Water Commission (CWC) for approvals. He also instructed that geophysical, geotechnical, soil and hydraulic modelling tests be completed on a priority basis.

The Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune , which is handling testing and studies, has been asked to treat the project as a top priority . Staff have been directed to remain at project sites continuously during the 45-day testing period . Government advisor Adityanath Das was instructed to coordinate with the CWC for necessary clearances.

To ensure effective execution, the government has constituted a high-level steering committee with Colonel Parikshit Mehra as Convenor . The committee will meet twice a week to review progress, with the Minister participating either in person or virtually if required. A special officer has also been appointed for daily monitoring.

Implementation agencies, including L&T, have been directed to immediately restore their camps, accommodation and food facilities to support engineers and technical staff. Works such as sand removal, GPR tests and site preparation will be carried out in coordination among all agencies. The Minister stressed that all tests must be conducted in the presence of designers, CWPRS, departmental engineers and implementing agencies , with proper documentation.

Irrigation Department Secretary E. Sridhar and other senior officials attended the meeting.