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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.

Critics argue that the NDSA report was designed to benefit the ruling party at the Centre, with allegations on planning, design, construction quality, and management errors.

The modernisation component of the project, proposed almost seven years ago, but could not find its way forward would be posed for the assistance under the Command Area Development and Water management programme.

A team of officials from the Irrigation Department will leave for New Delhi next week to submit the report and seek the way forward for resuming the pumping operations at the barrages.

Clarification comes in the backdrop of rumours that piers had once again sunk in the barrage

RS leaders were trying to incite regional feelings by making baseless allegations against the Congress Government, the State government Advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir said in a statement.

The Chief Minister sought the details and recommendations suggested by the NDSA in its interim report submitted to the government.

Accordingly, steps are being taken by Irrigation officials to complete the works on priority latest by June 10. But the Irrigation Department is yet to finalise terms with the implementation agency, L&T.