+
NDSA Flags Irreversible Damage to KLIS Medigadda Barrage
ECONOMY & POLICY

NDSA Flags Irreversible Damage to KLIS Medigadda Barrage

The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) has released its final report on the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS), revealing significant structural issues in the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages. Notably, Block 7 of the Medigadda barrage has suffered irreversible damage, with cracked and displaced piers and rafts, rendering it unfit for further gate operations.

The report underscores the necessity for a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for all three barrages. It recommends that the Telangana Irrigation Department engage reputed institutions for detailed investigations and design of the rehabilitation works. Given the complexities involved, the Central Water Commission should review the rehabilitation designs to ensure structural integrity and safety.

Key issues identified include sand piping, cavity formation beneath the raft, construction flaws, and design deficiencies. These problems, observed in Block 7, could potentially affect other blocks if not addressed promptly. The report also highlights the lack of proper Operation and Maintenance (O&M) manuals, which has adversely impacted the functioning of hydro-mechanical components across the barrages.

Furthermore, the NDSA points out that construction of the barrages commenced before the project's Detailed Project Report (DPR) received approval from the Central Water Commission and other central agencies. Significant deviations from approved project parameters were made without adequate geotechnical investigations, particularly concerning the relocation of Annaram and Sundilla barrages.

To prevent recurrence of such issues, the report recommends mandatory comprehensive geotechnical investigations for large-scale projects, utilization of finite element modeling in design processes, timely data inputs for hydraulic and structural designs, and establishment of independent quality control units. It also emphasizes the importance of project-specific O&M manuals and regular maintenance protocols to prolong the lifespan of such critical infrastructure.

The NDSA's findings call for immediate action to rehabilitate the affected barrages and implement stringent measures to ensure the safety and sustainability of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme.


The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) has released its final report on the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS), revealing significant structural issues in the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages. Notably, Block 7 of the Medigadda barrage has suffered irreversible damage, with cracked and displaced piers and rafts, rendering it unfit for further gate operations.The report underscores the necessity for a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for all three barrages. It recommends that the Telangana Irrigation Department engage reputed institutions for detailed investigations and design of the rehabilitation works. Given the complexities involved, the Central Water Commission should review the rehabilitation designs to ensure structural integrity and safety.Key issues identified include sand piping, cavity formation beneath the raft, construction flaws, and design deficiencies. These problems, observed in Block 7, could potentially affect other blocks if not addressed promptly. The report also highlights the lack of proper Operation and Maintenance (O&M) manuals, which has adversely impacted the functioning of hydro-mechanical components across the barrages.Furthermore, the NDSA points out that construction of the barrages commenced before the project's Detailed Project Report (DPR) received approval from the Central Water Commission and other central agencies. Significant deviations from approved project parameters were made without adequate geotechnical investigations, particularly concerning the relocation of Annaram and Sundilla barrages.To prevent recurrence of such issues, the report recommends mandatory comprehensive geotechnical investigations for large-scale projects, utilization of finite element modeling in design processes, timely data inputs for hydraulic and structural designs, and establishment of independent quality control units. It also emphasizes the importance of project-specific O&M manuals and regular maintenance protocols to prolong the lifespan of such critical infrastructure.The NDSA's findings call for immediate action to rehabilitate the affected barrages and implement stringent measures to ensure the safety and sustainability of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme.

Next Story
Building Material

UltraTech’s Limestone Mine Gets India’s First-Ever 7-Star Rating

UltraTech Cement, India’s largest producer of cement and Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC), has received top honours for sustainable mining practices. Thirteen of the company’s limestone mines were awarded star ratings by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), Ministry of Mines, for FY 2023–24 during a ceremony held in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Among these, the Naokari Limestone Mine—part of UltraTech’s Awarpur Cement Works in Chandrapur, Maharashtra—was awarded India’s first-ever 7-star rating for a limestone mine, in recognition of exceptional performance in ‘Green Mining’. The remain..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Sieger Parking Enters Mumbai Market, Expands West India Presence

Sieger Parking, a Coimbatore-headquartered specialist in automated and multi-level car parking systems, has announced its entry into Western India with the launch of a regional office in Mumbai. This move marks a key milestone in the company’s pan-India growth strategy and its commitment to delivering technology-driven, space-efficient parking solutions across urban India. The Mumbai office will serve as the regional headquarters for Maharashtra and neighbouring states, supporting end-to-end operations with on-ground sales, project management, and service teams. The aim is to fast-track..

Next Story
Resources

IGBC Green Kochi Conclave 2025 Champions Culture and Climate Action

The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), part of CII, hosted the Green Kochi Conclave 2025 on 4 July at Hotel Holiday Inn, Kochi, under the theme “Tharavadu to Tomorrow: Weaving Kerala’s Heritage into a Sustainable Built Environment.” The event brought together policymakers, architects, developers, and thought leaders to discuss Kerala’s progress in blending cultural heritage with sustainable design.  Kerala is emerging as a frontrunner in climate-resilient development, thanks to passive design strategies, rainwater harvesting, cool roof initiatives, and the widespread adopt..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?