Hyderabad: Telangana’s Irrigation Department has accelerated the scientific repair of the Medigadda barrage, with work progressing under the direct supervision of the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS).
Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, after a review at the Secretariat, said the Annaram and Sundilla barrages were also being restored using advanced engineering studies. “Our priority is to ensure that every aspect meets technical standards and public safety,” he said.
Expert-driven restoration and accountability
The government has issued Requests for Proposals to technically qualified firms, prioritising those with collaborations with IITs or similar national institutions. Investigations by the NDSA, Vigilance Department, and Judicial Commission highlighted serious design and execution lapses, for which the previous contractors will bear financial responsibility.
New geo-technical and hydraulic tests will start once water levels decline, expected within 15 to 20 days. Three of five shortlisted firms will finalise the designs based on CWPRS data, to be vetted by the CWC before works commence.
Broader project and legal reviews
Reddy also reviewed progress on other irrigation projects, including Sammakka Sarakka, Sitarama Sagar, and Pranahita-Chevella, directing officials to secure early central clearances. Legal and inter-state issues such as the Krishna Water Tribunal-II proceedings and environmental approvals were also discussed.
He reaffirmed the government’s stance on transparency. “We will restore Medigadda with full accountability. Every rupee will be spent responsibly,” he said.
I chaired a detailed review meeting today on the rehabilitation of the collapsed Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages of Kaleshwaram Project – a tragic outcome of the reckless decisions and engineering failures under the previous BRS regime.
The Vigilance, NDSA and Judicial… pic.twitter.com/kH7QLPlnoz
— Uttam Kumar Reddy (@UttamINC) November 12, 2025
