CM directs officials to begin Kaleshwaram barrage restoration works in December
Final approvals to be secured by month-end; ₹4,193 crore estimated for repairs and restoration
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has instructed officials to initiate restoration work on the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages of the Kaleshwaram project in December, adhering to the guidance of national experts and the National Dam Safety Authority. During a review meeting, the Chief Minister requested officials to obtain final approvals by the end of November.
He also urged ministers to refute false claims about the available water at Medigadda. The gates of Annaram and Sundilla barrages, which have structural issues, should remain open, as advised by the NDSA, according to Mr. Reddy. The government has harnessed Godavari waters through the Devadula and Sitarama lift irrigation schemes, increasing utilization from 9.57 tmc ft annually to 18.13 tmc ft in recent years.
By October, 24.81 tmc ft of water had been lifted through these schemes. Mr. Reddy contended that the previous government would not have confronted similar challenges during droughts if a barrage had been built at Tummidihatti and the Pranahita project completed, as water from Pranahita could have been transported to Yellampalli more economically.
Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy and senior officials presented the restoration blueprint for the three barrages, with estimated costs of around ₹4,193 crore. This would entail the construction agencies bearing the expense of rectifying defects, while the government would cover the cost of supplementary works.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
