The Medigadda Barrage, part of the Kaleshwaram Lift irrigation project, has faced a major setback as several pillars have sunk. The barrage, which was inaugurated in June 2019, has a total of 87 pillars. Traffic between Telangana and Maharashtra has been diverted due to this issue.
According to engineers from the Irrigation department, around 15 to 20 pillars from the sixth to eighth block of the barrage sunk with loud sounds on Saturday evening. However, the information was not immediately disclosed. Officials stated that due to darkness, they were unable to assess the extent of damage and which gates were affected. They plan to inspect the barrage today and take necessary measures.
The sinking of the pillars was first noticed near the 20th pillar on the Maharashtra side. The construction staff had already left for the day when the loud noise was heard. The control room staff immediately alerted higher officials, who discovered that a portion of the bridge was out of alignment about 300 meters from the Maharashtra border.
The Medigadda Barrage was constructed using gigantic concrete piers, with lengths of 110 meters, widths of 4 meters or 6 meters, and heights of 25 meters. The construction company, L&T, claimed that the concrete used was equivalent to building 7 Burj Khalifas, the steel used was equivalent to building 15 Eiffel Towers, and the earth excavated was equivalent to 6 pyramids of Giza. They also set a world record by pouring 25.584 cubic meters of concrete in 72 hours.
This is the first barrage under the Kaleshwaram Lift irrigation project, connecting Telangana and Maharashtra at Sironcha. It has a storage capacity of 10.87 tmc ft. After the pillars sank, officials opened 40 gates and released water downstream while alerting residents of villages in that area. L&T officials have not been reachable.
As a precautionary measure, officials have started releasing the stored water at the barrage to allow for a thorough examination of the pillars. The Irrigation Engineer-in-Chief stated that detailed information is not yet available, and the possibility of a conspiracy is unknown at this time. Law enforcement agencies in both states have been informed about the situation. It is now the responsibility of L&T, the construction company, to maintain the barrage for the next five years and carry out any necessary repairs.
Opposition parties have criticized the Kaleshwaram project, alleging corruption. This incident, occurring just before elections, could further fuel their claims. They are questioning how such a prestigious project built by a reputed construction company experienced sinking pillars within just four years.
