Minister Uttam for fresh consultation with Centre

KLIS Barrages

metro india news I hyderabad

Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy has directed irrigation officials to immediately write to the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti and the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), seeking clear technical guidance on the future operation of the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages under the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS).

Chairing a high level review meeting at the Dr B R Ambedkar Secretariat, Uttam Kumar Reddy said the Telangana Government had continued to maintain the barrages in free flow mode in accordance with the recommendations of the NDSA, pending comprehensive rehabilitation. He stressed that no decision on resuming water storage or pumping operations would be taken without written advice from competent technical authorities.

The Minister instructed officials to include relevant portions of the NDSA report, Central Water Commission findings, Ground Penetrating Radar investigation results, photographs, cavity assessments beneath the raft foundations and other technical evidence in the communication to the Centre. Copies of the letter will also be handed over directly to senior Ministry of Jal Shakti officials through the Telangana Resident Commissioner.

During the review, officials noted that recent communications from the Union Ministry largely reiterated that operational decisions rested with State Governments but did not specifically address the NDSA's recommendation to keep the barrages in free flow condition until rehabilitation is completed.

Officials informed the Minister that investigations at Annaram Barrage had also revealed concerns relating to cavities beneath the raft foundation, making water impoundment unsafe at this stage. The Central Water and Power Research Station is currently analysing the latest technical data. A rehabilitation concept design for Medigadda is expected by the end of August, while a preliminary cost estimate is likely by mid September. Detailed analysis for Annaram and Sundilla is expected within the next two weeks.

Reviewing proposals for pumping operations during the current monsoon, officials explained that adequate upstream water levels could not presently be maintained and that temporary interventions might worsen existing structural concerns. Uttam Kumar Reddy reiterated that engineering evidence and expert recommendations alone would guide future decisions.

The Minister also reviewed the status of the Palamuru Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme. Officials informed him that the Detailed Project Report could not be processed until issues relating to water allocations and pending tribunal proceedings are resolved.