Former Engineering-in-Chief Muralidhar appeared before the National Dam Safety Authority expert committee in Hyderabad on Wednesday. The NDSA is investigating why the Dowleswaram irrigation barrage in Andhra Pradesh, which was built in 1852, lasted until 1970 before needing reconstruction. They are also looking into issues with newer barrages like Medigadda under the Kaleshwaram project developing cracks and sinking piers.
The NDSA is examining the designs of the Dowleswaram project and comparing them with the Kaleshwaram project. They are investigating potential negligence in the operation and management of the projects, with suspicion that files were moved without the knowledge of Engineer-in-Chief Muralidharan. Additionally, there are allegations of political interference in the project.
Political parties have raised concerns about KCR’s actions during his second term, specifically his decision to keep Harish Rao out of the cabinet for a long time. When Harish Rao was finally brought back and given the Medical and Health portfolio, KCR personally monitored the Kaleshwaram project due to concerns about its shortcomings.
The NDSA team, led by Chandrashekhar Iyer, is conducting a second round of visits to study damage at the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages. They are gathering documents and meeting with irrigation officials to determine the safety of the barrages and assess construction quality. The team is also analyzing how KCR handled project-related issues as Irrigation minister and whether he took timely action when alerted about damage to the barrages.
