Medigadda barrage holds firm against massive flood again, disproves Congress claims

The Medigadda barrage, part of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, is effectively managing the current monsoon floods, contradicting political claims of its structural failure. Handling an inflow of 5.5 lakh cusecs, the barrage has also managed record-level inflows in previous years.

Hyderabad: The Medigadda barrage, a key component of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, is standing firm against the heavy monsoon floods, once again disproving the claims by the Congress of a structural collapse.

It is handling an inflow of 5.5 lakh cusecs from the Godavari River and its tributary, Pranahita. With another 7 lakh cusecs expected from upstream, the barrage is proving its strength.

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The barrage is vital for extending irrigation support for over 18 lakh acres across multiple Telangana districts. Its full storage capacity is 16.17 TMC at 100 metres above sea level, but all 85 gates are currently open to manage floodwaters safely.

In 2022, it successfully handled a record 22.15 lakh cusecs, and today’s 5.5 lakh cusecs is well within its capacity. The Pranahita River, contributing over 5 lakh cusecs, is driving the flood surge due to heavy rains in Maharashtra.

More rainfall is forecast, which could push inflows beyond 12 lakh cusecs. Despite this, regular checks confirm the barrage’s stability, with experts from Pune monitoring its condition. Authorities have opened all gates to release floodwaters, ensuring safety.

The district administration has restricted heavy vehicles on the barrage’s bridge and issued flood warnings for nearby villages.