Fri Oct 03 16:24:51 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
After two years of political controversy following the sinking of piers in the Medigadda Barrage of the Kaleshwaram project in October 2023, the government has decided to repair the three barrages (Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla) based on the recommendations of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA). Expressions of Interest (EOI) have been invited from design agencies for rehabilitation and restoration designs. The NDSA report highlighted design and construction flaws, deeming repairs necessary for all three barrages. A separate commission also pointed out serious lapses in the project. The BRS party criticized the government for the delay and its impact on farmers.
**News Article:**
**Kaleshwaram Project Barrages to Undergo Repairs After Years of Controversy**
**HYDERABAD, October 3, 2025** – Following two years of political and administrative turmoil sparked by structural issues in the Kaleshwaram project’s barrages, the government has announced plans to rehabilitate the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages. This decision comes after the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) released its findings, citing significant design and construction deficiencies.
The Irrigation and Command Area Development (I&CAD) Department has issued a notification inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from qualified design agencies to develop rehabilitation and restoration plans for the barrages. The deadline for submissions is October 15.
The problems came to light in October 2023 when some piers of the Medigadda barrage sank. An incident gave ammunition to the Congress party, which, then in opposition, fiercely criticized the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government for alleged compromises on project quality. The NDSA was subsequently tasked with investigating the incident.
The NDSA’s final report, submitted in April 2025, recommended comprehensive rehabilitation for all three barrages, highlighting “serious design and construction deficiencies.” The report further stated that the upstream barrages, Annaram and Sundilla, exhibited structural distress and were unusable without repairs.
Adding to the scrutiny, the Justice P.C. Ghose Commission, formed to investigate irregularities in the project, also identified serious lapses in its planning, design, construction, and maintenance.
The BRS party, now in opposition, has condemned the current government for what it calls a two-year delay, arguing that farmers have suffered due to the government’s inaction. The BRS maintains that the repair work is only being undertaken now after sustained pressure from their party.
The future of the ambitious Kaleshwaram project hinges on the success of these rehabilitation efforts, promising to be a closely watched development across Telangana.
First Piper 