Hyderabad Government Establishes Steering Committee for Kaleshwaram Barrage Rehabilitation
In a significant move to address critical infrastructure issues, Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy announced on Sunday the formation of a high-powered steering committee. This committee, with Colonel Parikshit Mehra serving as convenor, has been tasked with spearheading the implementation of rehabilitation works to restore the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages to operational status at the earliest possible date.
Government's Determination to Restore Critical Infrastructure
The state government is firmly committed to bringing all three crucial barrages of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS) back into full operation, Minister Uttam emphasized during a review meeting at the secretariat. He stated that rehabilitation efforts are being accelerated under a strict time-bound program to return the entire project to its complete operational capacity.
The minister conducted the meeting with senior officials from the irrigation department, representatives from the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), agencies responsible for rehabilitation designs, and implementation partners including Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
Identified Defects and Strategic Timeline
Minister Reddy highlighted that statutory agencies, including the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) and the vigilance commission, have already identified serious defects in the foundations, design, planning, and execution of all three barrages. The fundamental problems are remarkably similar across all three structures, he noted, underscoring the need for a coordinated rehabilitation approach.
Officials have been directed to treat the next two working seasons, 2027 and 2028, as absolutely critical for completing all necessary KLIS repairs. According to the minister's assessment, Annaram and Sundilla barrages can be fully restored well within this established timeline, while Medigadda can be made at least partially operational simultaneously.
Design Consultants and Approval Process
The government has already finalized AFRY India as the design consultant, which will operate in a joint venture with the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Mumbai (IIT Mumbai). The design team has received explicit instructions to work continuously, seven days a week, to expedite the process.
We urgently need the completed design as soon as possible, Minister Uttam told the team and officials, because it must be submitted immediately to the Central Water Commission (CWC) for essential approval.
Operational Directives and Committee Structure
The consultants have been instructed to maintain constant communication with Secretary Colonel Parikshit Mehra and to bring any emerging issues directly to his attention. All required tests and data collection activities must be completed as the highest priority, the minister directed.
Additionally, government adviser Adityanath Das has been tasked with coordinating with the CWC to secure all necessary approvals from the central government. CWPRS personnel will be stationed continuously at the barrage sites until the comprehensive 45-day testing window is fully completed.
The newly formed steering committee will convene twice weekly, with Minister Uttam participating either in person or virtually as required, to closely monitor progress. Key activities including sand removal, geophysical (GPR) tests, and site preparation will be executed with full agency support.
Meeting Participants and Implementation Framework
The review meeting included prominent officials such as:
- Irrigation Secretary E Sridhar
- Tunnel expert and Secretary Colonel Parikshit Mehra
- Irrigation Adviser Adityanath Das
- ENC General Rameshbabu
- Joint Secretary K Srinivas
- ENC (Admin) T Srinivas
- CWPRS Additional Director Selva Balan
This comprehensive approach demonstrates the government's serious commitment to resolving the structural challenges facing these vital irrigation barrages, which are essential components of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme's infrastructure network.
