The big problem, according to irrigation department executive engineer A. Yadagiri, present at the barrage during an inspection by irrigation minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Friday, arose from the fact that the tailwater from the downstream Medigadda barrage was not reaching Annaram. This was resulting in pressure building up on the upstream side of the barrage when water is stored.
This was a primary reason for the Annaram barrage springing leaks from under its foundation, even as the site had to contend with enormous sand casting, Yadagiri told Uttam Kumar Reddy.
He said the flows at Annaram were heavy, a result of reducing the width of the river bed by raising embankments. This was also resulting in extremely heavy sand casting on the upstream side of the barrage, he said.
While site engineers of Afcons explained that they had completed all the tests as suggested by the National Dam Safety Authority (SA), the geophysical and geotechnical studies were pending and this requires `1.3 crore to be paid to CWPRS, Uttam Kumar Reddy instructed engineer-in-chief (general) Anil Kumar to ensure the funds are released and testing was completed in the next three days or so.
“Every step recommended by the NDSA must be completed. There is not much time left. Do these and the rest of the protection works on a war-footing,” he instructed K.N.M. Rao, in-charge for Afcons at the barrage.
