Hyderabad: Irrigation minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Sunday announced the constitution of a high-powered steering committee, with Col Parikshit Mehra as the convenor, to spearhead the implementation of rehabilitation works to bring Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages back into operation at the earliest.“The state govt is determined to bring all three critical barrages of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS) back into operation. Rehabilitation works are being fast-tracked to restore the project to full operational status under a time-bound programme,” Uttam said. He held a review meeting at the secretariat with senior officials from the irrigation department, representatives of the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), agencies tasked with rehabilitation designs and implementation agencies, including L&T.Stating that statutory agencies, including the NDSA and the vigilance commission, have already flagged serious defects in the foundations, design, planning and execution of all three barrages, he said the fundamental problems are identical across the three structures.The minister directed officials to treat the next two working seasons, 2027 and 2028, as crucial for completing the KLIS repairs. “Annaram and Sundilla barrages can be fully completed well within the timeline set for the purpose, while Medigadda can be made at least partially operational simultaneously,” Uttam said.The govt has already finalised a design consultant — AFRY India, which will work in a joint venture with IIT Mumbai. The design team has been instructed to work round the clock, seven days a week. “We need the design as early as possible, as it will have to be sent to the central water commission (CWC) for approval immediately,” he told the team and officials.Design processThe consultants were instructed to stay in constant touch with secretary Col Parikshit Mehra and to bring any issues directly to his notice. All required tests and data collection must be completed as a top priority, the minister said. Uttam also directed govt adviser Adityanath Das to coordinate with the CWC to secure the necessary approvals from the Centre.CWPRS personnel must be stationed at the sites continuously until the 45-day testing window is completed. The steering committee will meet twice a week, with the minister also joining, even virtually whenever required, to review the progress. Sand removal, GPR (geophysical) tests, and site preparation will be carried out with full agency support. Irrigation secretary E Sridhar, tunnel expert and secretary Col Parikshit Mehra, irrigation adviser Adityanath Das, (ENC general) Rameshbabu, joint secretary K Srinivas, Enc (admin) T Srinivas and CWPRS additional director Selva Balan were among those who attended the meeting.
