Kaleshwaram repairs to begin post-monsoon

MAHESH AVADHUTHA I hyderabad

The Telangana government has laid out a clear and time-bound roadmap for the revival of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, setting definitive deadlines for the restoration of the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages. The government has directed that physical rehabilitation works will commence between December 2026 and January 2027, once floodwaters in the Godavari River and its tributary, the Pranahita, recede.

Officials stated that scheduling the works is strategically aligned with seasonal river conditions to ensure safe and uninterrupted execution, particularly at the Medigadda barrage, where water levels must recede to allow access to critical structures. The government has instructed design consultants and technical experts to complete and secure approval for all final designs by November 2026, ensuring that no delays occur once conditions are conducive for construction.

The plan envisions restoring the Annaram and Sundilla barrages within a single working season, while simultaneously enabling partial functionality of the Medigadda barrage. This phased yet synchronized approach aims to expedite the revival of irrigation benefits to farmers while maintaining structural safety and efficiency.

The decision for comprehensive rehabilitation follows the identification of serious deficiencies in the barrages, including issues related to foundation integrity, design flaws, planning gaps, and execution shortcomings. Statutory authorities such as the National Dam Safety Authority highlighted these concerns, necessitating a thorough and technically robust restoration strategy.

Key rehabilitation measures will include strengthening structural components through the extension of stilling basins, aprons, and cut off walls to enhance stability and durability. Agencies such as the Central Water and Power Research Station, along with design consultants, have been directed to extend full technical support for these works.

Preparatory activities are already being prioritized. Construction agencies have been instructed to reactivate their site camps and ensure logistical readiness for continuous deployment of engineers, technical teams, and workforce. Immediate tasks such as sand removal and geophysical investigations are to be undertaken, with emphasis on preparing clear and stable surfaces required for accurate testing.

The government reiterated its commitment to completing all approvals, including those from the National Dam Safety Authority, well ahead of the construction phase. With a structured timeline and coordinated execution plan, the Telangana government aims to restore the Kaleshwaram project to full operational capacity while ensuring long term safety and reliability.