The ongoing Justice P.C. Ghose commission of inquiry into the causes of problems at Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages of the Kaleshwaram project on Friday continued to unearth details that led to the current state of disrepair of the barrages, and how this situation came about to be.
The commission was informed that a decision was taken to increase the height of the cofferdam at Medigadda to ensure round-the-year work for the speedy work, and that there was a sense of urgency to complete the task. This came amidst design revisions, changes in the original plan, and increased cost of construction, the commission was informed. Continuing his deposition for the second day, former engineer-in-chief N.
Venkateswarulu informed Justice Ghose that the height of the cofferdam — designed to divert river water away from construction area — at Medigadda was increased by about five metres to facilitate work even during the rainy season. He said the initial design for the cofferdam – at 96 metres above sea level — was not adequate, and was submerged in floodwater. During a site visit on December 2017, the then irrigation minister, the then engineer-in-chief (general), and himself inspected the situation where oral instructions were received to increase the cofferdam height by four to five metres.
Later, Venkateswarulu was asked whether the construction agency had complained of delays in receiving designs, resulting in delays in construction, and, as the then chief engineer o.