KTR warns of disaster, slams Congress over Manjeera barrage neglect

BRS leader KT Rama Rao blamed the Congress government for neglecting repair work on Manjeera barrage despite warnings, calling it a serious threat to Hyderabad's water supply. He warned of a man-made disaster if urgent measures were not taken

Hyderabad: BRS working president KT Rama Rao has sounded the alarm over structural damage to the Manjeera barrage, less than 24 hours after a rope cable of one of the 62 crest gates at the Jurala project snapped. He blamed the Congress government for repeated incidents at major irrigation projects, attributing it to its failure in timely operation and maintenance.

In a statement, Rama Rao said the Manjeera barrage—a key source of drinking water for Hyderabad and surrounding areas—now faces serious risk due to the government’s inaction. He pointed out that despite a March 22 report from the State Dam Safety Organisation (SDSO) flagging critical issues, no repair works were undertaken.

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“This is a clear sign of the Revanth Reddy government’s incompetence and indifference to irrigation and drinking water infrastructure,” he said.

Rama Rao said unprecedented inflows had caused cracks in the barrage pillars, erosion of the apron, and damage to the spillway. Despite expert warnings, the government failed to act, he said.

He also recalled that the Congress government had not begun repair work on the Medigadda barrage, which faced similar damage. Both Congress and BJP, he added, had politicised the Medigadda issue during elections but were now silent on the Manjeera situation.

“If this barrage collapses, it will be a man-made disaster. History will not forgive this government if it continues to ignore critical repairs for political convenience,” Rama Rao warned.