Hyderabad: Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy announced on Wednesday that the Medigadda barrage, part of the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation scheme, will be operational by June 2027. During a visit to the site, he reviewed ongoing investigation works and stated that designs for repairs and rehabilitation of all three barrages—Medigadda, Sundilla, and Annaram—would be finalized by September 2026, with construction beginning in October or November of this year.
Investigation and Testing Progress
The minister highlighted that hydrological studies, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) tests, geotechnical borehole studies, and other technical assessments are being expedited. Most preliminary investigations are complete, with remaining studies expected to conclude by end of June or early July. Detailed rehabilitation designs will then be submitted to the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) for approval.
Timeline for Rehabilitation Works
Uttam Reddy said actual rehabilitation works are likely to start after the monsoon season, possibly by late November or early December. The government aims to complete all works within a single working season, restoring the barrages by summer 2027. He emphasized that the Congress government is focused on accountability, safety, and completion, not politicizing the issue.
He noted that damage to the three barrages occurred in October 2023 under the previous government. Central agencies identified serious deficiencies in design, construction, and operation. GPR tests are 80-90% complete across the barrages, while borehole and geotechnical investigations are 75-80% complete, expected to finish by June-end. Some boreholes have been drilled to depths of 40-80 meters for deeper geological data.
Future Design and Safety Measures
The minister made clear that all future designs, repairs, and additional works will proceed only with concurrence from the CWC and NDSA. This ensures rehabilitated barrages remain safe and functional for decades.
