Hyderabad: Irrigation minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Wednesday said the state govt would seek the Central Water Commission’s (CWC) guidance for the repair and rehabilitation of the three damaged Kaleshwaram barrages — Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla — and ensure that restoration is carried out through a scientific, transparent, and accountable process. Chairing a high-level review meeting at the secretariat, the minister said the govt’s priority was to safeguard the massive public expenditure incurred under the previous BRS regime and restore the structures responsibly. “The reports of the vigilance, the National Dam Safety Authority, and the judicial commission clearly point to systemic failures and irrational decisions that caused the collapse of Medigadda and the leakages at Annaram and Sundilla. There were lapses at both political and engineering levels. Our govt is taking corrective action using scientific methods to salvage these vital assets,” Uttam said.Design changesThe minister said once floodwaters recede, a series of geo-physical and hydraulic tests would be conducted by the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune, to assess the extent of damage and guide rehabilitation design. Preliminary testing during the monsoon has been completed, and detailed investigations would resume within 15–20 days after river discharge levels drop.Acknowledging that the Central Designs Organization (CDO) of the irrigation department had failed in its duties, Uttam said the govt decided to engage independent, highly qualified technical institutions and consultants. “The state govt approached the CWC for guidance. The CWC advised that designs be prepared by reputed and experienced experts, which it will vet, approve, and oversee through execution,” he said. Cost estimates The govt has invited requests for proposals from reputed firms, giving preference to those with formal tie-ups with IITs or national technical bodies. Five firms were shortlisted, from which three will be chosen based on technical and financial evaluation. The selected consultant will use CWPRS data to prepare detailed restoration designs and cost estimates for all three barrages, he said.Uttam made it clear that the entire cost of testing and repairs would be borne by the original contractors responsible for the damage. “Rehabilitation work will commence as soon as the water recedes and final approvals are received from the CWC. Our goal is to ensure technical integrity, accountability, and full recovery of public assets,” he said. The minister also reviewed the inter-state water resources unit, progress on package-6, revised estimates of the Devadula lift irrigation scheme, and the heliborne aerial magnetic survey for the SLBC tunnel.
