Work on to get Medigadda ready by next summer: Uttam
Hyderabad: Irrigation minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said that all efforts are being made to reactivate the Medigadda dam, a key structure of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS), from next year. The minister, who visited the dam on Wednesday and reviewed ongoing tests and work at the site along with engineers and officials, said the state government was “moving forward with a clear technical roadmap for completion of works for the rehabilitation of damaged Kaleshwaram dams on Godavari river with a target of June 2027”.
He said the necessary surveys, hydrological studies, geological tests, geotechnical drilling studies and other technical evaluations were expedited for early completion. “Most of the preliminary studies have been completed, the remaining should be completed by the end of June or the first week of July. Based on these findings, detailed rehabilitation designs will be prepared and submitted to the Central Water Commission and the National Dam Safety Authority for approval,” he said.
Uttam Kumar Reddy said that although serious mistakes had damaged the project in the past, the Congress government was not interested in politicizing the issue. “Our focus is on accountability, safety and completion. We want to ensure the dams are repaired properly and safely,” he said.
The problems at Medigadda and its sister dams at Sundilla and Annaram became known after a portion of Block 7 of Medigadda dam sank into the river bed in October 2023.
The Minister also said that designs, repairs and additional works will be taken up only after the plans are examined by the Central Water Commission and the National Dam Safety Authority. “Our targets are clear. The Congress government wants to complete the surveys by July, complete the designs by the end of the monsoon period, start rehabilitation by the end of November or December and complete the works by summer 2027,” he said.
He said AFRY, a renowned international design consultant, has been appointed to design the rehabilitation in a joint venture with IIT Bombay. The Central Water and Power Research Station, Pune, was conducting model studies and technical research. Many national and international experts were also involved in the process.
Uttam Kumar Reddy said that Colonel Parikshit Mehra, who has been appointed as the head of the Resurrection Coordination Team to direct and monitor the rehabilitation process, is an experienced officer with strong technical expertise and is monitoring the progress of the ongoing works.
