Uttam Kumar Reddy says Annaram Barrage too is in Danger

February 17, 2024 18:22

Uttam Kumar Reddy says Annaram Barrage too is in Danger:- Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy announced that the sand boiling issue, which potentially caused the sagging of Medigadda's piers, was recently observed at Annaram Barrage. As a result, the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) has advised the Government to empty the reservoir and halt operations. During a discussion on the white paper presented to the Assembly, the Minister highlighted that project engineers promptly notified the NDSA, who recommended reservoir drainage and the dispatch of their experts for evaluation.

With the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) comprising three barrages constructed using a similar plan and technology, the Minister explained that all three barrages had become ineffective. He stated, "The NDSA, CAG, and the Vigilance and Enforcement departments have confirmed the lack of operation and maintenance work since the project's inauguration. We are now taking action against those responsible for the irreversible damage to the Barrages." "The BRS Government neglected fundamental project construction standards. The Barrages should have been built as buoyant structures."

According to the Irrigation Minister, the construction of the Komuravelli Mallannasagar reservoir, which holds 50 TMC of water, did not adhere to proper seismic guidelines and has caused significant damage to the structures' foundations. Uttam Kumar Reddy, on the other hand, criticized the previous government's expenditure on the irrigation sector, stating that they spent Rs 1.81 lakh crore from 2014-2023, resulting in an ayacut of only 15 lakh acres. In comparison, the earlier governments spent Rs 54,234 crore and created an ayacut of 54,234 crore for Rs 93,000 per acre. This means that the BRS Government has spent 12 times more than its predecessors. Additionally, Reddy highlighted the financial burden of the KLIP project, stating that it would require 200 million units of power daily, while only 196 million units would be sufficient to electrify the entire Telangana State.