We follow NDSA, not ‘Khiladi Committee’

CM asks Eatala Rajender to meet NDSA and CWC experts in Delhi and secure technical approval for lifting of water at Kannepalli pump house

metro india news  I hyderabad

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy asserted that the State government would strictly implement the recommendations of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) and not those of what he described as the "Khiladi Committee" allegedly led by BRS leaders. Addressing a press conference on Saturday, he said the government's decisions would be guided solely by scientific and technical assessments to ensure public safety and protect Telangana's irrigation infrastructure.

The Chief Minister challenged BJP MP Eatala Rajender, who has been demanding that water be lifted at Kannepalli pump house, to first visit New Delhi and hold discussions with NDSA and Central Water Commission (CWC) experts. He said Eatala should convince these technical authorities that water could safely be lifted at Kannepalli pump house and that the Annaram and Sundilla barrages could be utilized despite the expert findings. If the NDSA and CWC approved such a proposal and send their experts here, the State Government would fully cooperate, he added.

Revanth Reddy stated that the NDSA had categorically recommended against storing water in the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages due to serious structural deficiencies. He said the authority had also directed that the barrage gates should remain open until comprehensive restoration works are completed, warning that closing the gates and impounding water could further damage the structures. Since water cannot be lifted without maintaining the required reservoir levels, he said the opposition was misleading people by demanding immediate pumping operations.

The Chief Minister traced the sequence of events leading to the present situation, noting that the Kaleshwaram project was inaugurated on June 29, 2019, while an Executive Engineer had officially reported structural defects in the Medigadda Barrage as early as May 18, 2020. He alleged that the previous BRS government ignored these warnings, eventually resulting in the sinking of a portion of the barrage in October 2023.

Revanth Reddy explained that after the incident, the NDSA inspected the project under the provisions of the Dam Safety Act, 2021. Following extensive technical studies and field investigations, the authority submitted its final report, concluding that Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages were unsuitable for water storage in their present condition. The report recommended comprehensive redesign, stabilization measures and restoration works, with all repairs requiring approval from the NDSA or the CWC.

The Chief Minister also pointed out the technical constraints involved in lifting water. While water is currently flowing in the Godavari, the required pumping level of 93.50 metres is unavailable, with the present water level remaining around 89.90 metres. Even if water were lifted, it would flow back because the barrage gates must remain open under NDSA directions, making the operation technically unviable.

He welcomed the Centre's decision to constitute a Special Technical Oversight Committee on June 30, 2026, to supervise the restoration of the three barrages. He said the committee would oversee design approvals, construction quality and all engineering modifications, reinforcing the government's commitment to implementing only expert backed solutions.

Launching a sharp attack on the BRS leadership, Revanth Reddy alleged that KCR, K.T. Rama Rao and T. Harish Rao had formed a "Khiladi Committee" to spread misinformation on Kaleshwaram. He urged Eatala Rajender not to associate himself with what he termed a "group of wrongdoers" but instead to engage with the country's highest technical institutions.

The Chief Minister further demanded that the Centre expedite the CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities in the construction of the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages. He recalled that the State Government had handed over the case to the CBI through G.O. Ms. No. 104 dated September 1, 2025, and questioned why the probe had not progressed at the desired pace. Reaffirming his government's commitment to transparency and accountability, Revanth Reddy said Telangana would restore the project only in accordance with expert recommendations and ensure that public resources were protected.