Structural Crisis Hits Telangana’s Kaleshwaram Project

Structural Crisis Hits Telangana’s Kaleshwaram Project

Why in the News ?

The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) has found irreparable structural damage in three barrages of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP). It flagged design flaws, poor construction, and ignored safety norms, causing widespread concern over the project’s future.

Structural Crisis Hits Telangana’s Kaleshwaram Project

About the Kaleshwaram Project:

  • KLIP is the world’s largest multi-stage lift irrigation project on the Godavari River, spanning 13 districts of northern Telangana.
  • Began in June 2019 under the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS)
  • Uses pumps to lift water to high points for distribution—unlike gravity-based irrigation.
  • Covers 500 km with a 1,800 km canal network.
  • Designed to provide 240 TMC water:
    • 169 TMC for irrigation
    • 30 TMC for Hyderabad
    • 16 TMC for industries
    • 10 TMC for villages
  • Major water source: Medigadda Barrage (195 TMC).

Structural Distress & Political Fallout

  • October 2023: Pillar No. 20 of Medigadda Barrage collapsed, causing flooding.
  • NDSA findings (April 2024):
  • Design & construction defects, poor quality control, and lack of geotechnical studies.
  • Severe cracks, tilting, and seepage seen in Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla
  • Recommendations:
  • Structural rehabilitation, hydraulic redesign, and advanced geophysical studies.
  • Political blame:
  • Current govt calls it a “man-made disaster”, blames BRS regime.
  • Claims over-storage (10+ TMC) led to collapse; barrages designed for only 2 TMC.
  • Project incurs ₹16,000 crore/year in loan repayments.

Telangana’s Water Initiatives: Key Points

●     Mission Kakatiya:

○      Telangana’s flagship scheme to restore water tanks and storage structures.

○      Focused on supporting small and marginal farmers through improved irrigation.

●     Mission Bhagiratha:

○      Aims to provide safe piped drinking water to 2.32 crore people.

○      Covers 20 lakh urban and 60 lakh rural households.

○      Sources water from Godavari and Krishna Rivers.

●     Kaleshwaram Project:

○      Located near the Godavari-Pranahita confluence (Sangam).

○      Plans to lift 180 TMC of water using high-speed pumps.

○      Includes barrages, tunnels, storage dams, canals, and reverse water flow systems.