NDSA Flags Irreversible Damage to KLIS Medigadda Barrage

07 May 2025 CW Team

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.

Infrastructure Energy

17 Dec 2025

Vedanta Aluminium Uses 1.57 bn Units of Green Energy in FY25

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, recently reported consumption of 1.57 billion units of renewable energy in FY25, marking a significant milestone in its 2030 decarbonisation roadmap. The company also achieved an 8.96 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity compared to FY21, reinforcing its leadership in India’s low-carbon manufacturing transition. During FY25, Vedanta Aluminium expanded its renewable energy portfolio through long-term power purchase agreements, strengthening its strategy to source nearly 1,500 MW of renewable power over the lon..

Real Estate

17 Dec 2025

Oberoi Group to Develop Luxury Resort at Makaibari Tea Estate

EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group, has announced the signing of a management agreement to develop an Oberoi luxury resort at the iconic Makaibari Tea Estate in Darjeeling. The project marks a key milestone in the Group’s long-term strategy of creating distinctive hospitality experiences in rare and environmentally significant locations. Established in 1859, Makaibari is one of the world’s oldest tea estates and is globally recognised for its Himalayan landscape, primary forests and exceptional biodiversity. Spread across 1,236 acres, the estate houses one of the world�..

Real Estate

17 Dec 2025

GHV Infra Secures Rs 1.09 Bn EPC Order in Jamshedpur

GHV Infra Projects Ltd, a fast-growing EPC company in India’s infrastructure and construction sector, has recently secured a Rs 1.09 billion work order in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Awarded by a reputed group entity, the contract covers end-to-end civil construction, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, along with high-quality finishing works for a large building development. The project will be executed over a 30-month period, with defined benchmarks for quality, safety and timely delivery. The order strengthens GHV Infra’s footprint in Jamshedpur, a key industrial hub known fo..