HYDERABAD, September 26, 2026 (Journalist File): The Telangana government is preparing to undertake comprehensive restoration of the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages, key components of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme, Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said. The government has finalised restoration designs and plans to place them before the Central Water Commission’s technical committee on October 5.
The designs incorporate recommendations from the National Dam Safety Authority and other technical experts. Scientific model tests are also planned at the Central Water and Power Research Station in Pune. Officials have been conducting geophysical, geotechnical, soil and hydraulic investigations as part of the restoration process, with the state government stressing that technical assessments and approvals must precede execution.
Uttam said the government intends to begin restoration work by mid-November, once the necessary technical clearances and tendering process are completed, and aims to finish the works before the 2027 monsoon. Rather than relying on temporary repairs, the proposed programme is intended to address the barrages’ long-term structural safety.
The planned measures include strengthening the foundations through grouting, extending stilling basins and constructing new cut-off walls where technically required. The minister said each stage of the restoration would be carried out under expert supervision, with construction quality, technical standards and structural safety given priority.
The government has previously directed that restoration of the three barrages be undertaken in accordance with NDSA recommendations, with Central Water Commission involvement at various stages. The state has also been carrying out extensive investigations, including bore sampling and laboratory analysis through CWPRS, to establish the condition of the structures and their foundations.
Uttam said decisions concerning operation, water storage and other activities at the barrages would be taken only after the required safety assessments and approvals. The government’s stated objective, he said, is to restore the three Kaleshwaram barrages with durable structural solutions rather than short-term repairs.
