The Telangana Government has decided to take a four-month break from the Kaleshwaram project, as the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) will need up to four months to submit a report on the Medigadda barrage. The government will wait for the NDSA’s recommendations before deciding on any repairs needed at Medigadda.
The NDSA has formed a five-member committee, chaired by former Chairman of Central Water Corporation J Chandrashekhar Iyer, to look into the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages. The committee includes members UC Vidyarthi, R Patil, Shiva Kumar Sharma, and Rahul Kumar Singh, with NDSA Director (Technical) Amitabh Meena serving as the member secretary.
Following concerns about sinking pillars at Medigadda, the Telangana government requested a comprehensive inquiry by the NDSA on February 13. The NDSA issued an order on March 2 appointing a committee to examine the three barrages and recommend solutions for any subsidence or cracks found. The committee has been given four months to submit its report.
The committee will visit the barrages, inspect construction areas, and assess hydraulic, structural, and geo-technical aspects. They will review design, construction methods, quality standards, and relevant project data. The committee will also analyze the causes of any issues at the barrages and suggest measures to prevent future incidents.
Different model studies will be considered for barrage design, with a focus on understanding the collapse at Medigadda and potential risks at Annaram and Sundilla. The committee will recommend actions to address current challenges and prevent similar incidents in the future. Additional members may be appointed if needed with the Chairman’s approval.
