Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy announced that a committee would be inspecting the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages as requested by the State government. The committee, formed by the National Dam Safety Authority, will arrive on March 6 to study the designs and construction of the Kaleshwaram project.
Reddy welcomed the formation of the expert committee and assured full cooperation from the government for its investigation. He emphasized that the government would prioritize the recommendations of the NDSA regarding the project. The committee, led by J Chandrashekar Iyer, former chairman of the Central Water Commission, will investigate the reasons behind the sinking of Medigadda barrage pillars and any distress observed in the Annaram and Sundilla barrages.
The committee has been given four months to submit its report to the NDSA. Reddy disclosed that the NDSA had recommended immediate emptying of water from the collapsed Medigadda barrage, as well as from the Sundilla and Annaram barrages due to similar issues. The government promptly released water in accordance with the authority’s instructions. However, Reddy criticized BRS leaders for trying to politicize the issue by demanding filling of the barrages.
The minister expressed regret that BRS leaders lacked technical knowledge and criticized the previous government for its careless execution of the project. He discredited the words of BRS leaders, stating that they hold no value. Reddy highlighted that the Medigadda barrage was a crucial part of the project, which cost Rs 94,000 crore.
Reddy expressed disappointment with BRS leaders for downplaying the incident by stating that only one pillar of Medigadda had collapsed. He accused BRS of irresponsibly risking the State and farmers’ interests for political gains. Reddy reiterated the government’s commitment to following the recommendations of the Dam Safety Authority and the expert committee.
