Kaleshwaram Project Likely to Remain Idle This Year

The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, built with thousands of crores of public funds, is likely to remain unused this year as well. The key barrages at Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla are unlikely to be brought into operation during this monsoon due to ongoing technical inspections.

Authorities said that safety tests related to barrage stability, foundation strength, and pier conditions are still under progress. Although around 75% of the studies have been completed, the remaining assessments may continue until November, delaying any possibility of water storage or usage.

Comprehensive hydrological and geotechnical studies are being conducted, including deep drilling up to 80 meters and soil analysis. Experts are examining foundation stability and possible voids under the raft structure. Final reports will be submitted to CWC and NDSA, and further restoration decisions will be taken based on their recommendations.