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The Medigadda barrage, a key asset of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, has weathered yet another intense flood season in 2025, handling over 9 lakh cusecs of Godavari flow. While repairs to Block 7 remain pending since a 2023 pier subsidence incident, the barrage’s independent block design and reinforced foundations have ensured operational stability.

Despite urgent directives from the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) in May to address the plunge pool’s structural threats before the monsoon, the progress is dismal. High water inflows and procedural delays are complicating repair efforts.

Repairs to Jurala’s crest gates have been halted due to rising inflows, with work postponed until late 2025. Reduced capacity, traffic pressure, equipment failure, and lack of specialised repair support have added to the operational challenges at the project.

An expert team completed an underwater survey of Srisailam Dam’s plunge pool, highlighting structural threats due to erosion. The operation documented damage and voids caused by spillway discharge. A final report on the findings is due by July 15.

The National Dam Safety Authority remained indifferent to warnings raised by Telangana’s engineering department about the worsening state of the dam’s plunge pool, says Prakash Rao

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

Approximately 75% of the water released from the barrage, after lifting all 85 crest gates as advised by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), came solely from the Pranahita River. The remaining inflows were supplied by the upper Godavari, which experienced a significantly higher water yield this year compared to the previous two years.

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

The Irrigation department's top brass is deeply divided over the fate of the Medigadda barrage and the broader Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP). While a significant majority, barring a few exceptions, supports putting two of the three barrages back into operation, some senior officials believe that the Medigadda barrage's issues are being overemphasized.

Despite a year-long exercise, the final report is unlikely to be completed before the December 31 deadline set by the government

Officials argue that initiating the rehabilitation process now could expedite the resumption of pumping operations, ensuring water supply to Kharif farmers at least by June 2025.

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.

The final report from the NDSA is not anticipated before the end of the year, with the possibility of further delays.

The State government has decided to seek its final report to decide the way forward on the rehabilitation of the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages.

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.

Problems similar to that of Medigadda were encountered after construction of several major dams and barrages and they continued to be a significant concern, particularly in regions prone to seismic activity and highwater inflows

The Yellampalli project plays a crucial role in supplying drinking water to Hyderabad. The HMWSSB draws water from the Yellampalli reservoir to meet the city’s needs.

Operations were resumed on Saturday at the Nandi Medaram pump house to which water was released through the gravity canal from the Sripada Yellampalli reservoir.

With regard to repair works at Medigadda, he said the works would be taken up on the basis of recommendations made by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA).