Report on Medigadda Barrage Damage Under Review
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has released a report on the damage to the Medigadda barrage, which is expected to play a critical role in finalizing assessments by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) and the Justice Ghose Commission. According to the report, design flaws were likely the primary cause of the barrage’s damage.
Officials from the State Irrigation Department have confirmed that the report is currently being reviewed by their technical team as well as the NDSA. The NDSA is tasked with submitting a comprehensive report on the damage to the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages, which are part of the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation scheme.
The IIT study revealed that a concrete block meant to ensure the safety of the barrage was washed away due to a substandard design and the rush to complete construction. It was noted that the mechanism to control energy dissipation during floods was not developed scientifically, which significantly contributed to the damage. The report also pointed out that the then BRS government had failed to construct the required damaged concrete blocks. Poor operation and maintenance practices, along with the absence of a tail pond below the barrage, further weakened the structure.
Sources have indicated that the findings from IIT Roorkee will be incorporated into the NDSA’s final report, which will also inform the observations of the Justice Ghose Commission. The commission has already questioned senior irrigation officials, IAS officers, and retired irrigation experts as part of its investigation.
Before calling in former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao and former Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao for questioning, the commission plans to seek additional details from IIT Roorkee and the State Irrigation Department. Officials noted that the IIT study’s findings will accelerate the preparation of the NDSA’s final report, which is expected to provide clarity on the causes of the barrage damage.
