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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.

BRS working president KT Rama Rao warned that growing public dissatisfaction could trigger a major youth and farmers' movement against the Congress government in Telangana. He accused the government of betraying election promises, neglecting farmers and politicising the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme.

Former MP B Vinod Kumar urged the Telangana government to use the Kaleshwaram project to lift Godavari water through the Kannepalli pump house, warning that deficient rainfall due to El Niño could trigger a drinking water crisis if timely action is not taken.

Facing sustained pressure from the Opposition BRS, the Telangana government ordered round-the-clock pumping at the Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme and released Rs. 146 crore for pending works while refusing to operate the Kannepalli pumps, citing expert safety concerns over the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages.

BRS working president KT Rama Rao accused the Telangana government of wasting Godavari waters by not operating the Kannepalli pumps. He warned of a looming irrigation and drinking water crisis, questioned the government's approach to Kaleshwaram and sought immediate pumping operations.

The BRS intensified its attack on the Congress government over the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme, demanding the immediate operation of the Kannepalli pump house. Party leaders accused the government of neglecting farmers and threatened fresh protests if irrigation pumping was not resumed.

The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme, once Telangana’s pride, remains idle with 104 pumps inactive for two years. Floods, safety directives and poor maintenance have crippled operations, raising fears of permanent damage to critical pumping units at Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla

The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme remains non-operational for the fourth season, affecting farmers across 13 districts. With Medigadda repairs delayed and no alternative plan in place, kharif sowing has dropped sharply and farmers are preparing to protest for relief

The massive pumps powering Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project remained idle for three crop seasons, raising concerns over maintenance lapses. Officials claimed restoration was underway, but delayed repairs and sidelined engineers sparked fears about the long-term sustainability of the project

L&T, Afcons seek clarifications on National Dam Safety Authority's final report, cite "inconsistencies" and "contradictory points"

The team’s findings will be crucial for the urgent repairs ordered by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) to safeguard the structural integrity of this vital project

She expressed deep concern over the accident that took place shortly after work resumed. Kavitha described the tunnel roof collapse and the resulting injuries to the workers as highly unfortunate. She also pointed out that during K. Chandrashekhar Rao’s tenure as Chief Minister, a 10-kilometre stretch of the tunnel was excavated without any such incidents.

Built in 1981 across the Krishna River, the Srisailam Dam is a vital multipurpose project supporting Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It generates hydroelectric power with an installed capacity of 900 MW for Telangana and 770 MW for Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, it facilitates irrigation, provides drinking water to extensive areas in both states, and is a key component of the Telugu Ganga Project, which supplies drinking water to Chennai. The dam also plays a crucial role in flood management.

The assurance came in response to concerns raised by Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy on the prolonged inquiry process by the agency

The expert panel is expected to provide crucial insights into the structural integrity of the project’s three major barrages

Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages, intended to boost agriculture, pisciculture, and biodiversity, have been left non-functional under the pretext of structural issues

Despite multiple extensions, the NDSA has failed to accomplish the task assigned to it, further adding to the growing frustration of the farming community in Telangana over the lack of progress and transparency

Officials have expressed concerns that there would be no water supply for Rabi crops under the project, except for pockets where reservoirs linked with KLIS are left with little surplus after supporting Kharif ayacut for another 45 days.

The three barrages- Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla have remained idle since they were emptied for inspection and rehabilitation in April and May, leaving the Rabi ayacut without irrigation support.

This comes after a key meeting on Thursday between Justice Ghose and Irrigation Secretary Rahul Bojja, where they discussed the progress of the final reports from the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) and the vigilance department, both of which are conducting simultaneous investigations into the project, sources revealed.