Hyderabad: The State Government is currently waiting for the conclusion of an investigation into irregularities in the Kaleshwaram project. They plan to take strict legal action against those found responsible for any wrongdoings.
During the investigation, top officials from the irrigation department informed the Ghose commission that several faulty practices were used in the construction and maintenance of key structures in the project. These structures include the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages.
State Engineer-in-Chief for Operation and Maintenance, Nagendar, revealed that important dam safety norms were not followed. He explained that the guidelines set by the state and the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) were ignored. Additionally, the Central Water Commission (CWC) manual, which provides instructions on safety, operation, and maintenance, was not adhered to.
Nagendar also pointed out that Ramagundam Engineer-in-Chief, L. Venkateswarlu, failed to take action on reports submitted by the operation and maintenance team. Furthermore, the report on the barrages was not provided to the commission. When asked about dam safety regulations, Nagendar admitted that the construction companies did not follow the agreed protocols under the Dam Safety Act. He also mentioned that water storage levels in the three barrages were not properly maintained until 2019, and there was a shortage of staff for operations until January 2021.
The Engineer-in-Chief confessed that the barrages were maintained solely by the Ramagundam team, and due to poor maintenance, leakages occurred. He also admitted that the gates of the barrages were not operated correctly because there was no Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) or proper manual in place.
The Ghose commission reportedly asked Nagendar over 130 questions. One of the key concerns raised was that the regulations were not followed when issuing the completion certificate for the Medigadda barrage to the contractors.
Sources suggest that the commission questioned the official on various aspects, including the engineering standards used in the project, how the quality of the work was monitored, and whether proper review protocols were followed during the construction of the barrages.
Nagendar assured the commission that he would provide all the requested information in writing. The commission is expected to summon other senior officials, particularly former Secretaries of the Irrigation Department, for the next open house hearing.
