Revanth Directs Repair Works of Damaged Kaleshwaram Barrages
He ordered execution of works in accordance with the recommendations of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) and emphasised expediting the repair process without delay
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Thursday directed officials to take up repairs of the three damaged barrages at Medigadda, Sundilla and Annaram, part of the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation scheme (KLIS) and bring them back into use at the earliest. He directed that all works be executed in accordance with the recommendations of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) and emphasised expediting the repair process without delay.
Revanth Reddy was speaking at a meeting to review the Kaleshwaram project along with irrigation minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy. He called for the preparation of a special action plan for the repair works and directed officials to ensure continuous monitoring. Revanth Reddy also instructed that all concerned agencies be alerted and mobilised to accelerate the pace of work.
He stressed that tests and sample collections being carried out under the supervision of the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) should be completed before the onset of the monsoon. The Chief Minister suggested forming a team comprising officials from the irrigation department, CWPRS, barrage construction agencies and design consultants, with the involvement of members from the Central Water Commission (CWC) at every stage of the work.
During the meeting, engineers informed the Chief Minister that not only the sunken pillar at Medigadda but the entire 1.6-kilometre barrage would need to be studied. Revanth Reddy directed officials to prepare an action plan for drilling 500 borewells near Medigadda and to arrange the necessary machinery to complete the work at the earliest.
He also instructed that designs related to the repairs be finalised quickly and a comprehensive schedule for works to be taken up until December be prepared. Making it clear that there should be no delays, the Chief Minister assured that there would be no shortage of funds for the project. He directed officials to set up a base camp at Medigadda and said he would personally visit the site to inspect the works once they commence.
Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao, Irrigation Secretary Sridhar, Chief Minister’s secretary Manicka Raj, and senior officials from the irrigation department attended the meeting.
