The barrages of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project are set to undergo major restoration and safety upgrades following a comprehensive review by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA). After prolonged debates and technical assessments over the past two years, the government has now initiated measures to implement the NDSA’s recommendations. The Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages will be rehabilitated by expert design agencies to address critical structural weaknesses and ensure the project’s long-term stability.
Background And Recent Developments
The Kaleshwaram project’s main structure, the Medigadda barrage, faced significant damage in October 2023 when several piers subsided. The incident, which occurred just ahead of the state assembly elections, led to political blame-shifting and raised serious concerns about the project’s construction quality. Following this, the National Dam Safety Authority was directed to conduct a detailed investigation. Its final report, submitted in April 2025, identified major flaws in both the design and construction of all three barrages.
Findings Of National Dam Safety Authority
The NDSA’s 378-page report highlighted severe structural distress in the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages. It classified the upstream barrages Annaram and Sundilla as unsafe for operation until comprehensive rehabilitation is carried out. The authority recommended that detailed repair and restoration designs be prepared by qualified design institutions and that these plans undergo review by the Central Water Commission (CWC) to ensure adherence to national safety and engineering standards.
Government Response And Rehabilitation Plan
Acting on the NDSA’s findings, the government has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) from reputed design and engineering agencies to develop rehabilitation strategies for the three barrages. The Irrigation and Command Area Development Department has set October 15 as the deadline for proposal submissions. The Central Designs Organisation (CDO) will supervise the selected agencies and monitor compliance with technical specifications and safety norms throughout the rehabilitation process.
Justice P.C. Ghose Commission Findings
Alongside the NDSA inquiry, the government had appointed the Justice P.C. Ghose Commission in March 2024 to investigate allegations of irregularities in the project’s planning, execution, and maintenance. The commission submitted its report on July 31, 2025, identifying multiple procedural and quality lapses at various stages of the project. These observations have intensified the demand for immediate corrective and accountability measures.
Political Reactions And Impact On Farmers
The issue has reignited political exchanges between the ruling and opposition parties. The government accused the previous administration of neglecting timely repairs, claiming that prolonged delays have affected farmers relying on the project’s water supply. Conversely, the opposition has blamed the current regime for poor construction standards and oversight during the project’s earlier phases. The controversy has once again spotlighted the need for stronger governance and dam safety mechanisms in India’s large-scale irrigation infrastructure.
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