Hyderabad, Velikam: The government has announced plans to demolish and rebuild the seventh block of the Medigadda barrage, following the collapse of the 20th pillar on October 21 this year. In a power point presentation delivered by ENC Muralidhar at the Medigadda barrage, it was emphasized that the damaged pillars (19 to 21) pose a risk to the entire barrage, and their removal will be executed through the careful method of diamond cutting to avoid blasting-related dangers.
To investigate the reasons behind the barrage collapse, an earthen embankment (cofferdam) is being constructed, preventing water from entering the seventh block. The study, set to begin on January 2nd, aims to complete the assessment within two weeks. The restoration work will be undertaken by construction company L&T once the reasons for the collapse are identified.
The Kaleshwaram project, costing Rs.95 thousand crores, has successfully irrigated 98,570 acres. The government’s presentation highlighted that 17,08,230 acres have been stabilized under the SSARSP Stage-1, Stage-2, and Nizamsagar projects. From 2020-21 to 2023-24, 20,576 acres received Kaleshwaram water, filling 456 ponds and irrigating 39,146 acres. The government aims to provide water to the remaining 18,64,790 acres under the project from 2024-25 to 2028-29.
Additionally, the non-life expenditure for the Pranahita-Chevella project, precursor to Kaleshwaram, was reported as Rs.11,679.71 crores till 2016. The Kaleshwaram project, with a debt of Rs.87,449.16 crores, received loan sanctions from various financial institutions, with Rs.71,565.69 crores already utilized. Rs.16,201.94 crores have been paid as interest in the last five years.
The pending bills for Kaleshwaram amount to Rs.3,192.08 crores, with Rs.1,915.88 crores due from the Kaleswaram Corporation and Rs.576.57 crores from the government. Bills for land acquisition and rehabilitation, along with payments to sub-stations and consultancies, contribute to the outstanding amount.
During the PPT on the Medigadda demolition, ENC Muralidhar emphasized that the task is larger than construction and outlined the diamond cutting method for demolishing three sagging pillars.
In the last five years, 162.32 TMCs have been lifted from the main barrage in the Kaleshwaram project, contributing to the successful irrigation of vast acres. The project has encountered both challenges and successes, with ongoing efforts to address the issues and ensure its continued functionality. Medigadda Barrage Rebuild:*
- Risk Mitigation: Emphasizing safety, the government plans to demolish and rebuild Medigadda barrage’s seventh block after the 20th pillar collapse. The damaged pillars (19 to 21) will be removed via diamond cutting to avoid risks to the entire barrage.
- Investigation and Restoration: An earthen embankment (cofferdam) is under construction to investigate the collapse reasons. Study begins January 2nd, aiming to complete within two weeks. Construction firm L&T will undertake restoration post-identification of collapse reasons.
Kaleshwaram Project Highlights:
- Successful Irrigation: Rs.95 thousand crores spent on Kaleshwaram, irrigating 98,570 acres. 17,08,230 acres stabilized under SSARSP projects. From 2020-21 to 2023-24, 20,576 acres received Kaleshwaram water, filling 456 ponds, irrigating 39,146 acres.
- Future Goals: Government aims to provide water to 18,64,790 acres from 2024-25 to 2028-29.
Financial Overview:
- Pranahita-Chevella: Non-life expenditure till 2016: Rs.11,679.71 crores.
- Kaleshwaram Debt: Rs.87,449.16 crores; Rs.71,565.69 crores utilized; Rs.16,201.94 crores paid as interest in the last five years.
- Pending Bills: Rs.3,192.08 crores for Kaleshwaram, including dues from Kaleswaram Corporation and government. Bills for land acquisition, rehabilitation, sub-stations, and consultancies contribute to the outstanding amount.
Kaleshwaram Power Point Presentation Details:
- Medigadda Demolition: PPT by ENC Muralidhar emphasizes the complexity of demolition, outlining the diamond cutting method for three sagging pillars.
- Water Lifted: In five years, 162.32 TMCs lifted from Kaleshwaram, contributing to successful irrigation.
The Kaleshwaram project continues to face challenges, with ongoing efforts to address issues and ensure sustained functionality.
