NDSA clarifies decision on Kaleshwaram water pumping rests with Telangana govt

The National Dam Safety Authority has clarified that it has no role in deciding whether water should be pumped from the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme during drought conditions, stating such decisions fall within the Telangana government’s policy domain.

Hyderabad: Much to the dismay of the Congress government in Telangana, the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) clarified that it has no role in deciding whether water should be pumped from the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme during drought conditions. It asserted that such decisions fall entirely within the policy domain of the Telangana government.

The NDSA issued the clarification in response to a representation from Telangana NRI T Laxmi Narasimha Guptha who is currently residing in Australia, seeking technical assessment and safe utilisation of the Kaleshwaram project during the ongoing drought.

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In response, the NDSA said its mandate under the Dam Safety Act, 2021 is limited to ensuring the safety, surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance of specified dams and barrages to prevent structural failures. The authority said it does not deal with project planning or operational decisions on where and for what purpose water should be drawn. It added that decisions on water allocation for irrigation or drinking water during drought are policy matters to be decided by the State government concerned.

Referring to safety concerns over the Medigadda barrage and related structures, the NDSA said a Technical Oversight Committee has already been constituted by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. The committee is headed by an NDSA Member (Technical) and includes experts from the Central Water Commission (CWC), CWPRS and CSMRS to oversee rehabilitation works at the Kaleshwaram barrages.

The NDSA reiterated that it has no role in operational or policy decisions on pumping water to farmers through the Kaleshwaram project. It advised that the Telangana government is the appropriate authority to consider and decide on such issues, taking into account the intended benefits of the project in a holistic manner.