Hyderabad, August 26, 2026: The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) has informed the Telangana High Court that it has completed its examination into the causes of distress at the Medigadda barrage and submitted its technical report. The Authority has recommended that rehabilitation work be completed before the barrage is restored to operation.

The submission was made through an affidavit in a pending writ petition concerning the utilisation and safety of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS). The petition, filed by S. Sharath, seeks a comprehensive technical assessment of the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages, along with the Kannepally and Sundilla pump houses and other connected components.

The petitioner has also sought an assessment of the structural and operational safety of the project components and a determination of whether any portion of the system can be operated safely on a limited or restricted basis.

According to the NDSA affidavit, the Department of Water Resources constituted a Technical Oversight Committee for the Rehabilitation of Kaleshwaram Barrages after the Telangana government raised safety concerns regarding Medigadda and related structures. The committee is headed by an NDSA Member (Technical) and includes experts from the Central Water Commission (CWC), Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) and Central Soil and Materials Research Station (CSMRS).

The NDSA said the committee would supervise rehabilitation activities if and when the Telangana government undertakes the required works. It also noted that the State Dam Safety Organisation (SDSO) has the statutory responsibility to issue directions to the owner of a specified dam regarding safety requirements and remedial measures.

The affidavit was filed in compliance with an earlier direction of the Telangana High Court requiring the NDSA to place its position on record. The Authority rejected allegations that it had failed to discharge its statutory responsibilities, leading to difficulties for farmers dependent on the Kaleshwaram project and its components.

The NDSA clarified that while Kaleshwaram is an irrigation project, issues relating to agricultural hardship and the availability of irrigation water involve policy matters falling within the jurisdiction of the state government.

Report Points to Multiple Shortcomings

The NDSA technical report attributed the distress observed at the Medigadda barrage to shortcomings in planning, design, construction quality, operation and maintenance. It recommended that rehabilitation be completed before the barrage is brought back into service.

The report also called for an immediate assessment of the Annaram and Sundilla barrages, citing similarities in their design and construction and the need for urgent examination of their condition.

Interim Safety Measures Prescribed

The affidavit also referred to interim safety measures recommended for all three barrages pending further action.

For Medigadda, the committee advised keeping the gates of Block-7 fully open before the onset of the monsoon to reduce hydraulic forces acting on the structure. It also recommended removing damaged gates adjoining Pier No. 20, wherever necessary.

Similar interim safety precautions were prescribed for the Annaram and Sundilla barrages.

The NDSA’s position before the Telangana High Court is that rehabilitation and safety assessments must be completed before any decision is taken to restore the affected barrage infrastructure to regular operation.