Hyderabad, April 12 (NationPress) The government of Telangana is gearing up to ensure the prompt operationalization of all three essential barrages associated with the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation initiative.

Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy emphasized on Sunday that the state is committed to reinstating the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages into full service.

He urged for the acceleration of rehabilitation efforts to restore the project to its complete operational capacity within a defined timeline.

The minister conducted an intensive review regarding the restoration of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS) barrages, engaging key officials from the Department, representatives from the Central Water Power Research Station (CWPRS), and agencies responsible for rehabilitation design and implementation, including L&T.

He noted that significant flaws in the foundations, design, planning, and execution of all three barrages have already been highlighted by regulatory bodies, including the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) and the Vigilance Commission. He pointed out that the core issues are uniform across these structures.

Officials were instructed to consider the upcoming two working seasons (2027 and 2028) as critical to the KLIS repair process.

The minister expressed optimism that both Annaram and Sundilla could be fully operational well within the established timeline, while Medigadda could be at least partially functional at the same time.

The design consultant, AFRY India, has already been engaged to collaborate with IIT Mumbai. The minister called on the design team to work tirelessly, every day of the week.

“We need the design submitted promptly as it will have to be forwarded to the Central Water Commission (CWC) for quick approval,” he stated.

The minister advised the consultants to maintain constant communication with Secretary Parikshit Mehra and to escalate any issues directly to him.

The design efforts will be supported by thorough geophysical, geotechnical, soil, hydraulic modeling, and other necessary studies. The minister insisted that all required tests and data collection be prioritized.

The CWPRS in Pune, which is a Government of India organization in charge of the tests and studies, has been directed to prioritize the rehabilitation of the Kaleshwaram barrages.

He tasked government advisor Adityanath Das with liaising with the CWC to secure the necessary approvals from the Government of India. Personnel from CWPRS must be present onsite continuously until the 45-day testing period concludes.

The minister announced the formation of a high-powered Steering Committee effective immediately, with Col Parikshit Mehra as the convenor, to lead the rehabilitation activities.

The committee will convene bi-weekly, with the minister participating virtually as required to review developments. A dedicated officer will oversee daily progress.

The executing agencies, such as L&T, have been instructed to swiftly reactivate their existing camps, mess facilities, and logistical support to avoid any accommodation or food shortages for engineers, technicians, and rig operators. Sand removal, geophysical tests, and site preparations will be fully supported by the respective agencies.

The minister stressed that all tests must be jointly observed by the designer, CWPRS, departmental engineers, and agency representatives, with proper documentation of every step.