Hyderabad: Infrastructure major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has strongly rejected the findings of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) regarding the structural integrity of the Medigadda Barrage, constructed during the tenure of the previous BRS government. In a letter addressed to the NDSA, L&T expressed serious objections to the authority’s conclusions and questioned the basis on which the report was prepared.
L&T categorically stated that it does not accept the NDSA’s assessment, arguing that no technical field tests were conducted to support the claims made in the report. The company raised concerns over how the barrage could be deemed a failure without conducting necessary geotechnical and structural evaluations.
Citing sections of the NDSA report, L&T pointed out inconsistencies—particularly the mention of quality control documentation on page 283, while simultaneously alleging quality lapses at multiple locations. The company termed these observations contradictory and lacking credibility.
L&T also questioned the NDSA’s reasoning that grouting issues prevented testing, asking how a conclusive report could be produced under such circumstances. The company reiterated that any judgment on the failure of the barrage must be backed by appropriate technical testing, which it claimed had not been done.
The letter further mentioned that L&T had previously communicated with both the NDSA and the Telangana Irrigation Department regarding the restoration of the barrage. The company maintained that highlighting structural failure without such testing is unjustified.
The controversy follows the Telangana government’s recent allegations of construction flaws not only in the Medigadda Barrage but also in other barrages under the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. Based on these concerns, the NDSA conducted inspections and submitted its report.
According to the NDSA, the Medigadda and Sundilla barrages were constructed at locations different from those specified in the Detailed Project Report (DPR). The report also revealed that no preliminary geological or geotechnical surveys were conducted before construction began. It attributed the observed structural issues and damage at Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages to these lapses.
Significantly, the NDSA has recommended the complete removal of Block-7 of the Medigadda Barrage, which has subsided.
With L&T now publicly challenging the findings, it remains to be seen how the NDSA and the Telangana government will respond to the company’s objections. The matter is likely to intensify debate around accountability and safety standards in large-scale infrastructure projects.