Telangana government plans ₹4,193 crore restoration of Kaleshwaram barrages

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed officials to expedite the restoration of the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages, which are part of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. The Telangana government has prepared a ₹4,193 crore plan to repair the damaged structures, with repairs expected to begin in December following necessary approvals by the end of November.

The restoration process will follow recommendations from the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) and central government technical experts. The project will be divided into two phases: recovering water utilization capacity and implementing essential safety measures. Under the proposed financial arrangement, construction companies will cover the costs of rectifying construction defects, while the state government will fund additional restoration and protection works.

Officials addressed allegations regarding the failure to lift Godavari water at Medigadda, explaining that structural deficiencies require the gates at Annaram and Sundilla to remain open, which prevents water from being lifted to Yellampalli. The Chief Minister noted that water utilization through the Devadula and Sitarama schemes has increased by approximately 89 percent over the last three years compared to the previous administration's tenure.