Medigadda Barrage Restoration: CWC to Decide on Rebuilding or Modifying Block 7

The Technical Oversight Committee (TOC), constituted to oversee the restoration of the Kaleshwaram barrages, has recommended that the Central Water Commission (CWC) take the final decision on the rehabilitation of Block 7 of the Medigadda Barrage. The two options under consideration are completely dismantling and rebuilding the block or raising the raft up to the full reservoir water level and converting the structure into a non-overflow section without gates. The committee has asked that detailed designs for both alternatives, along with complete calculations for raising the reinforced cement concrete (RCC) diaphragm wall and stilling basin, be submitted to the CWC. According to the WAPCOS report, the barrage was originally designed to handle a flood discharge of 82,000 cubic metres per second (cumecs). However, the design agency proposed reducing the capacity to 72,000 cumecs based on CWC studies, and the Irrigation Department forwarded the proposal for consideration. The TOC questioned the basis for modifying the approved flood design and sought a detailed explanation for the proposed reduction. It said the CWC should make the final decision after examining all technical details.

The committee has also stressed that comprehensive designs, estimates and restoration proposals must be prepared before work begins. The CWC must review and approve the proposals before implementation, with preparations to be completed ahead of the proposed commencement of restoration work in November. TOC Chairman Sameer Kumar Shukla reportedly emphasised that all technical aspects must be carefully evaluated to prevent a recurrence of earlier problems. The recommendations were discussed at a meeting held in New Delhi on Wednesday under Shukla’s chairmanship. Telangana Irrigation Department Secretary Sridhar, Special Secretary Parikshit Mehra, Engineer-in-Chief Ramesh Babu and officials and representatives of central agencies attended the meeting. The final rehabilitation approach for Block 7 will depend on the CWC’s technical assessment and approval.