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politics
A fresh deadlock has emerged over the repair works of the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages under the Kaleshwaram project, with construction major Larsen & Toubro yet to respond to repeated government notices. Vigilance and the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) reports have already held the construction company responsible for the subsidence of Medigadda barrage piers, prompting the state government to direct L&T to undertake repairs.
Despite multiple notices, the company has not come forward to take up restoration works. Sources indicate that the Telangana government is taking the matter seriously and is preparing to issue fresh show-cause notices. If there is no satisfactory response, the government is considering initiating criminal proceedings against the company.
The Medigadda barrage was completed in 2018 and inaugurated in May 2019. Within a year, structural issues surfaced, and during floods in November 2019, some piers reportedly subsided. At the time, the issue did not receive much attention. After the change in government, the Congress administration ordered vigilance and NDSA inquiries, both of which pointed to construction and design flaws.
Based on inquiry reports, the government decided that the construction agency must carry out repairs as per contract conditions. However, L&T reportedly denied responsibility and did not respond positively. The Justice Ghosh Commission also flagged negligence and contract violations, recommending strict action against the firm.
Officials say that defects identified within two years of completion must be rectified by the construction agency. The government has cancelled completion certificates issued earlier and is insisting that contractual obligations be fulfilled. With no response from the company, the legal department has reportedly confirmed the availability of grounds for criminal action.
The state is now planning to issue show-cause notices seeking explanations on why criminal cases should not be registered. If the reply is unsatisfactory, FIRs may be filed. Meanwhile, delays in repairs have raised concerns about the future safety and usability of the Medigadda barrage, especially with another monsoon cycle approaching.
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