The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) has submitted its final report to the Union Jal Shakti Ministry regarding the damages to the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages. The report blames the previous BRS government for poor Operation and Maintenance (O&M), which led to structural damage during heavy rains.
This report will also be given to the Justice Ghose Commission, which is already investigating irregularities in the Kaleshwaram project and the barrages’ damage. Officials mentioned that the recommendations from the interim report are already being used for ongoing repair work. The final report will provide a detailed explanation of the damage causes and suggest ways to repair and strengthen the structures to avoid future risks.
The Ghose Commission is expected to use the report to summon former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao and former Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao for their statements. The NDSA’s observations will play a crucial role in determining the reasons behind the barrages’ damage.
The final report also discusses technical lapses in operation and maintenance and the role of various agencies involved in the barrages’ construction and upkeep. Sources say that the Union Ministry will first review the report before forwarding it to the State Government. The State Irrigation Department will then submit the report to the Ghose Commission, which is expected to receive it by the end of February or early March.
Officials revealed that preparing the final report took longer than expected because the State Irrigation Department was initially reluctant to conduct a field study. However, after repeated insistence from the NDSA, the irrigation department completed its part of the study.
