Telangana Govt to engage qualified technical institutions and consultants to salvage Kaleshwaram barrages

The Telangana Government has set in motion systematic and scientific efforts to salvage the damaged Medigadda, Sundilla and Annaram barrages of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP).

Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said on Wednesday (November 12, 2025) the Government decided to engage independent, highly qualified technical institutions and consultants as the Central Designs Organisation (CDO) of the Irrigation Department was criticised by the investigating agencies. The decision was taken following the Central Water Commission’s advise that designs be prepared by well-qualified and experienced technical experts, which it would vet, approve and guide through execution.

The Government had accordingly invited requests for proposals from reputed firms and preference was being given to those having formal understanding/tie-ups with premier institutions like IITs or other technical bodies of the Central Government.

Why are tests conducted?

It was decided that the Pune-based Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) would conduct a series of tests once the floodwaters recede. These tests, including geophysical and hydraulic investigations, would help determine the extent of damage and guide design consultants in preparing a rehabilitation plan. Testing carried out during the monsoon had been completed and further investigations would begin within 15 to 20 days once river discharge levels drop.

Who will bear testing and repair cost?

Five agencies were shortlisted initially, from which three would be selected for the final stage based on technical and financial evaluations. The shortlisted firms were required to posses a proven track record in dam safety and tie-ups with reputed technical organisations. The selected consultant would use CWPRS data to prepare detailed designs and cost estimates for restoring all three barrages. The Minister made it clear that the entire cost of testing and repairs would be borne by the original contractors responsible for the damaged structures. The designs prepared by the consultants would be vetted by the CWC before execution begins.

The Government had prioritised restoration of the barrages responsibly to ensure that huge public investment incurred by the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) regime is safeguarded and put to proper use. The development follows the reports of the Vigilance, National Dam Safety Authority and Judicial Commission which pointed to systemic failures and irrational decisions that led to the collapse of Medigadda barrage and leakages in Annaram and Sundilla barrages. “There are lapses at both political and engineering levels. The Government is taking corrective action through scientific methods to salvage the structures,” the Irrigation Minister said.

He recalled that the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) report highlighted design defects, inadequate model studies and lapses during execution and operation, while the Judicial Commission pointed to financial irregularities, poor quality control, lack of planning, and deficiencies in investigation and design. The Vigilance Department report, on its part, recommended criminal action against certain officials and contractors for negligence and irregularities in construction.