State govt. did not submit geo-technical analysis of Medigadda damage spots: MoJS Advisor

Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose Commission examines 15 more engineers, says it will bring out facts despite non-cooperation

HYDERABAD

The Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose Commission of Inquiry has observed that there is no match between the information furnished by the engineers about three barrages of the Kaleshwaram project in their affidavits submitted earlier and the documents/records they are producing before it as part of their examination.

On Wednesday, the Commission examined 15 engineers who were associated with the construction of the barrages. After observing that engineers were hesitant to part with factual information, not only Wednesday but earlier also, the Commission asked them the reason for their reluctance and told them that it could bring out the facts even if they tried to hide or bypass factual information.

During the examination of engineers about Annaram and Sundilla Barrages on Tuesday and Wednesday, some engineers admitted before the Commission that the construction of the barrages was taken up even before the report on water availability at their sites was available. They informed the Commission that even sites of the two barrages were changed from the ones identified earlier. The Commission sought to know from the engineers as to why the barrages had suffered damages in case they were executed with dedication.

Meanwhile, Advisor to the Ministry of Jal Shakti submitted an affidavit to the Commission on Wednesday on all aspects of the Kaleshwaram projects – from planning, design, construction, quality control, operation and maintenance. He submitted the information that he had deposed before the Commission orally earlier, a few months back, in the affidavit submitted.

Speaking to newspersons later, he stated that the State government did not get the geo-technical tests conducted in the areas of Medigadda barrage damage despite recommendation of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA). Instead, the State government had conducted grouting to plug piping, ending the scope for geo-technical analysis.

The NDSA had pointed out the goof-up committed by the State government making it clear that geo-technical tests after grouting was not possible and suggested geo-technical tests at some other points but no data was submitted to NDSA after that. The NDSA could submit its final report after getting that geo-technical data, he added.

Published - November 27, 2024 09:41 pm IST