There appears to be a delay in the Telangana government providing information regarding the sinking piers of the Medigadda (Lakshmi) barrage of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS) to the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA).
A high-power committee from NDSA visited the barrage and requested data from the government.
However, this information was not handed over to the team before their departure on October 26.
In a firm letter addressed to the State Dam Safety Organisation (SDSO) and the Telangana Irrigation Department, NDSA Director Rahul Kumar Singh emphasized the urgency of sending the requested data within two days.He made it clear that failure to do so by October 29 would imply that the project authorities do not possess the information, and the committee will proceed accordingly.
The requested data includes various aspects related to the Medigadda barrage, such as instrumentation data, distress conditions observed, geological profiles, inspection reports, quality control reports, and more.
While some information was provided during the visit, a significant portion remains outstanding, particularly geological and geotechnical details of the foundation strata.
In response, officials from the Irrigation Department explained that sinking of piers is a common occurrence for barrages built on sand, clarifying that Medigadda’s construction on a permeable foundation was a contributing factor.
They stated that this sinking is a result of sand erosion around the piers.
Additionally, it was noted that six piers (from No:16 to 21) have incurred damage, and restoration efforts will be initiated, including the construction of a coffer dam to protect the work site from water intrusion.The contractor, L&T, will oversee the restoration in consultation with the Central Dam Safety Organisation (CDSO).
