Army to aid Kaleshwaram rehabilitation works

metro india news  I hyderabad : The Telangana Government is set to strengthen the execution of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal tunnel and the rehabilitation of the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages by engaging additional officers from the Indian Army’s Corps of Engineers.

The Military Secretary’s Branch of the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence has offered three officers for selection by the Telangana Government: Lt Col Satyadev Singh, Lt Col Ranjit A. Menon and Lt Col H. V. Bhalla. The State Government is likely to take all three officers on deputation and deploy them in its most technically challenging irrigation works.

Telangana Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy recently met Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth at his official residence in New Delhi and personally requested the deputation of experienced Army engineers to Telangana. He explained the technical complexity and strategic importance of the SLBC tunnel and the repair and rehabilitation of the three Kaleshwaram barrages.

Following this meeting, the proposal moved rapidly, with Army Headquarters communicating the names of three officers for the State Government’s consideration.

The State Government’s decision was also based on its extraordinary experience of working with Col. Parikshit Mehra, who has been serving with Telangana on deputation for about two years.

Col. Mehra has been closely associated with both the SLBC tunnel and the repair and rehabilitation planning for Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla. His technical knowledge, field-level involvement and ability to coordinate complex operations have been of immense value to the Irrigation Department.

“Our experience with Col. Parikshit Mehra has been extraordinary. His contribution has reinforced our belief that experienced military engineers can add tremendous value to technically complicated infrastructure projects. In light of that experience, we requested the Army Chief to depute more officers. I am grateful that General Dhiraj Seth and Army Headquarters responded so positively and promptly,” Uttam Kumar Reddy said.

The Government aims to complete the SLBC tunnel within the stipulated timeframe and restore Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla to safe, functional condition. Uttam Kumar Reddy stressed that speed would not compromise worker safety, engineering standards or structural stability. Officials said his military background and defence contacts were helping Telangana secure specialised expertise. Army engineers are expected to strengthen quality control, field coordination, decision-making, accountability and execution discipline.

The Government aims to complete the SLBC tunnel within the stipulated timeframe and restore Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla to safe, functional condition. Uttam Kumar Reddy stressed that speed would not compromise worker safety, engineering standards or structural stability. Officials said his military background and defence contacts were helping secure specialised expertise. Army engineers are expected to strengthen quality control, coordination, decision-making, accountability and execution discipline.

Uttam taps military ties

Uttam Kumar Reddy and General Dhiraj Seth share an institutional bond and familiarity as alumni of the prestigious National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla, Pune. Uttam Kumar Reddy underwent training in the Air Force stream before becoming a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force, while General Seth was trained in the Army stream and was subsequently commissioned into the Armoured Corps. General Seth assumed office as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff on June 30, 2026.

“As a former military officer, I have the highest regard for the professional standards, knowledge, integrity, discipline and problem-solving abilities of Armed Forces personnel. Military officers are trained to perform in difficult terrain, disaster situations and highly challenging operational environments. They combine technical competence with leadership, accountability and a mission-oriented approach,” Uttam Kumar Reddy said.