Hyderabad: The Central Design Organisation (CDO) has refused to release fresh designs for the Kaleshwaram barrages without receiving technical reports and test results mandated by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA).
In a letter to the Kaleshwaram (Ramagundam) Chief Engineer, the CDO Chief Engineer said further action can only proceed once test data from the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune, and the Central Soil and Materials Research Station (CSMRS), Delhi, is provided.
The tests, still pending, were mandated by NDSA following its final report recommending complete removal of Block 7 at the Medigadda barrage and additional structural assessments at Annaram and Sundilla barrages. CDO clarified that it cannot proceed without the necessary findings, expressing helplessness in a written response.
Previously, the state government allocated ₹20 crore for the tests, following resistance from construction contractors over bearing the costs. The then-ENC wrote to the department in June, stating that the Medigadda contractor remained active under contract and should fund the tests, prompting a halt in testing operations.
Meanwhile, the CDO has requested ten categories of information for Medigadda, and nine each for Annaram and Sundilla, to frame comprehensive hydraulic, structural, and hydro-mechanical redesigns. In its letter, the agency cited the July 14 review meeting chaired by the irrigation minister, where NDSA’s conclusions were discussed.
The CDO reiterated that restoration must be based on geo-technical, geo-physical, and hydraulic modelling as per NDSA recommendations. On Block 7, NDSA stated the structure has sustained irreparable damage and should no longer be used for gate operation. It recommended either safe removal or targeted repair by a specialised agency.
Project engineers have been directed to inspect the site and inform CDO of their preferred course of action.
