Telangana: NDSA’s final report on Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project soon

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

Hyderabad: The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) is all set to submit its final report on the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP).

The NDSA committee of experts that studied the structural issues covering three major barrages of the multi-stage lift irrigation project is ready with its report. The State government is expected to receive the report from the Ministry of Jal Shakti before this month-end.

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The NDSA expert panel that studied the project issues is expected to provide crucial insights into the structural integrity of the project which has faced the scrutiny of different agencies ever since the Congress party came to power in the State. The NDSA’s investigation into the KLIP has been a complex process, marked by delays and challenges. The Authority, as part of its observations, has reportedly highlighted some design issues.

The report is expected to include recommendations for necessary interventions to ensure the safety of the KLIP. As the State government awaits the final report, there is a sense of urgency to address the identified issues and take corrective actions.

The operations at the three KLIP barrages – Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla – have been stopped for last three crop seasons. They will be resumed only after rehabilitation of the affected structures for which the State had only 100 days before the onset of next monsoon in June.

The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) appointed its committee on March 3, 2024 to investigate the KLIP barrages. Headed by J. Chandrashekar Iyer, former chairman of the Central Water Commission (CWC), the committee’s mandate is to examine the structural integrity and safety of the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages. Due to delays and challenges, particularly the State government’s reluctance to provide necessary geo-technical data, the committee faced a complex task.

The NDSA was given multiple extensions before December 31, 2024.