Hyderabad: The rehabilitation of the Medigadda barrage of the Kaleshwaram project is likely to include the construction of an end-to-end diaphragm wall, irrigation minister Uttam Kumar Reddy said on Sunday. The strengthening and extension of downstream stilling basins would be required for all three barrages — Annaram, Sundilla and Medigadda.Addressing the media in Huzurnagar, he said a diaphragm wall may have to be constructed across the entire width of the Medigadda barrage to provide comprehensive foundation protection. The stilling basins located downstream of the barrages are also expected to be strengthened and extended to reduce the velocity of floodwaters and improve energy dissipation. These interventions are being considered based on a preliminary examination of the extensive technical tests conducted at the three barrages.“The proposal under consideration is to construct a diaphragm wall from one end to the other at Medigadda barrage. The existing stilling basins may also have to be strengthened and extended to control the velocity of floodwaters,” Uttam said. However, he clarified that the final rehabilitation designs were yet to be submitted. IIT Bombay and internationally reputed engineering consultancy AFRY India have been engaged to study the test reports and prepare the repair and rehabilitation designs.The minister said the soil, concrete and foundation tests recommended by the NDSA were nearing completion. The design agencies were now examining the findings to determine the precise structural interventions required at each barrage. “The final design report is expected within two or three weeks. We are planning to begin the rehabilitation works in Nov or, at the latest, Dec and complete them by June 2027, before the next monsoon,” he said.Uttam said restoring the damaged barrages was technically more complex than constructing a new structure. The govt had nevertheless decided to proceed with their repair, rehabilitation and rebuilding in the larger interests of Telangana. He said the govt had sought the assistance of leading national and international institutions immediately after assuming office to establish the causes of the structural failures and identify technically sound rehabilitation measures.The NDSA had inspected the barrages and prescribed a series of investigations. Based on those studies and the designs now being prepared, the govt would undertake the comprehensive rehabilitation of all three barrages. “We have no political motive in this matter. Our sole objective is to repair and rehabilitate the barrages through the best possible engineering solution and restore them to full functionality,” the minister said.
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