Kaleshwaram Project Will Be Restored, Not Abandoned: CM Revanth Reddy Reviews Medigadda Barrage Repairs
CM Revanth Reddy says Kaleshwaram Project will be restored, not abandoned, after reviewing Medigadda Barrage repairs with NDSA experts.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said that the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project will not be abandoned, despite huge costs, and confirmed that the government has decided to restore and bring it back into use for the public.
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He made these remarks after inspecting ongoing tests at the Medigadda Barrage, one of the key structures in the project.
High-Level Review with NDSA and Experts
The Chief Minister conducted a detailed review along with:
- National Dam Safety Authority
- Central Water and Power Research Station
- Irrigation Department officials
- Construction agencies and design consultants
He was accompanied by ministers:
- N. Uttam Kumar Reddy
- D. Sridhar Babu
- Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy
- G. Vivek Venkatswamy
Decision to Restore Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla Barrages
The government has decided to:
- Restore Medigadda Barrage
- Repair Annaram and Sundilla barrages
- Follow recommendations of technical experts and central agencies
CM stated that abandoning the project would be a loss, and rebuilding is necessary to ensure public benefit.
Focus on Technical Evaluation Before Repairs
Officials are conducting:
- Detailed field inspections
- Technical studies on damage
- Evaluation of design, construction, and maintenance flaws
The final decision on restoration will be taken after analyzing expert reports.
Background: Issues in Kaleshwaram Project
Key developments highlighted:
- Project initially linked to Pranahita-Chevella Project (2009)
- Designed to irrigate 16.40 lakh acres with 160 TMC water allocation
- Estimated cost earlier: ₹38,500 crore
- Around ₹11,700 crore spent after Telangana formation in initial phase
Issues reported:
- Engineers flagged leakages and structural defects in 2020
- In 2023, structural failure led to complaints
- NDSA submitted a preliminary report on November 1, 2023 and later a full report citing flaws
Plan to Revive Pranahita-Chevella Project
The Chief Minister also announced:
- Plans to restart Pranahita-Chevella Project at Tummidihatti
- Proposal to bring water from Sripada Yellampalli to Chevella
The goal is to ensure irrigation and drinking water supply across:
- Adilabad
- Karimnagar
- Nizamabad
- Rangareddy
- Hyderabad
Kaleshwaram Project Restoration to Benefit Telangana
CM Revanth Reddy reaffirmed that the ₹1 lakh crore Kaleshwaram Project will be restored and not abandoned. The government is moving ahead with a clear plan based on expert advice to repair and revive the project for irrigation and drinking water needs across Telangana.
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