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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).

The Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI) has already been engaged in intensive studies on the barrages.

The Judicial commission headed by Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose started its work in May and made multiple visits to the project as part of the information gathering exercise.

The Central Soil and Materials Research Station (CSMRS), one of the three agencies whose services were drafted for this purpose, is yet to reach Medigadda 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.

Ahead of his visit, Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Thursday had a review with officials of the Irrigation Department and representatives of L&T.

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.

The NDSA team visited both Naragurjuna Sagar and the Srisailam projects in February this year to conduct safety inspection of the project structures.