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
Real Estate

Kolkata’s luxury housing market sees price growth amid mixed trends

A new study by Nklusive reveals that Kolkata’s luxury residential market (Rs 5–10 crore) recorded a 33 per cent year-on-year rise in supply and a 52 per cent increase in sales in calendar year 2024 (CY24). South Kolkata led with 78 per cent of the segment’s supply. The average price rose by 6 per cent—from Rs 17,519 to Rs 18,600 per sq ft—while unsold inventory grew by 15 per cent. Monthly absorption improved from 2 to 3 units.In contrast, the ultra-luxury segment (Rs 10 crore and above) experienced a 17 per cent decline in supply and a 30 per cent fall in sales. Central Kolkata acco..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

New Expressway to Cut Pune-Bengaluru Travel Time by Half

The upcoming Pune-Bengaluru Expressway is expected to significantly improve connectivity and economic opportunities across Maharashtra and Karnataka. This 700-kilometre greenfield, access-controlled highway will cut the travel time between Pune and Bengaluru from 15 hours to just 7 hours, facilitating easier movement for both commuters and businesses. Starting from Bommanal in Karnataka’s Athani Taluk, the expressway will traverse important districts such as Belagavi, Bagalkot, and Jamakhandi. It will then enter Maharashtra at Kanjle, connect with the proposed Pune Ring Road, and pass throug..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Nagpur’s Koradi Naka to Get Y-Shaped Flyover for Safer, Smoother Traffic

To alleviate traffic congestion and enhance safety at Koradi Naka in Nagpur, a Y-shaped flyover is currently being constructed on National Highway 47. Demolition work has already commenced, with the main construction scheduled to start on June 20, 2025.The project, costing Rs 430.37 billion, involves building a 1,090-meter-long flyover that will connect Farsa, the Mahadula Railway Overbridge (ROB), and Bokhara Road, and will also feature an underpass. The existing structure will be repurposed into a service road to facilitate local traffic.Koradi Naka has been identified as a significant "blac..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?