Why in the News?
The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) has reported major structural and operational defects in Telangana’s Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP), citing “irreparable damage” to three key barrages, including Medigadda.
About Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP)
- KLIP, located on the Godavari River in Telangana, is the world’s largest multi-stage lift irrigation project, inaugurated on June 21, 2019.
- The project aims to irrigate 45 lakh acres, supply drinking water to Hyderabad, and support industrial use.
- It plans to lift 240 TMC of water, with 195 TMC from Medigadda, 20 TMC from Sripada Yellampalli, and 25 TMC from groundwater.
- The infrastructure includes 7 links, 28 packages, a 500 km span, 1,800+ km canal network, 20 reservoirs, and Asia’s largest pump house at Ramadugu.
- Estimated cost: ₹80,000 crore to ₹1.2 lakh crore.
Issues with the Project
- In October 2023, Pillar No. 20 of the Medigadda barrage sank, causing flood-related damages.
- NDSA’s April 2024 report identified structural distress in all 3 barrages (Medigadda, Annaram, Sundilla) due to poor design, lack of geotechnical studies, and inadequate safety protocols.
- Overloading of barrages (10 TMC water stored instead of 2 TMC) caused foundation damage.
- The state incurs ₹16,000 crore annually in loan and interest repayments, despite the project being criticized as a “man-made disaster.”
Back2Basics: Godavari River
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| [UPSC 2024] Recently, the term “pumped-storage hydropower” is actually and appropriately discussed in the context of which one of the following?
Options: (a) Irrigation of terraced crop fields (b) Lift irrigation of cereal crops (c) Long duration energy storage* (d) Rainwater harvesting system |
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