Telangana Sanctions ₹14.20 Crore for Manjeera Barrage Repairs
The Telangana government has sanctioned ₹14.20 crore for structural repairs to the damaged flexible apron at the downstream energy dissipater of the Manjeera Barrage in Patancheru, following safety warnings from experts. The decision was taken after a Panel of Experts (PoE) inspected the structure and recommended immediate repairs to prevent further deterioration, with recommendations supported by the State Dam Safety Organisation (SDSO).
The administrative sanction was formally accorded under the budget head "Loans to HMWSSB for Developmental Works" following a detailed proposal submitted by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB). The sanctioned repair works will be executed under the EAM Cell-I, Transmission Division-II, Patancheru.
The 60-year-old barrage was constructed in 1965 with a total storage capacity of 1.5 TMC. It was originally designed to augment the drinking water supply to Hyderabad under the Manjeera Water Supply Scheme Phase-I and Phase-II. However, decades of exposure to severe weather and recurring heavy flows have significantly impacted its downstream infrastructure.
According to the water board, the barrage has faced several major high-intensity floods throughout its operational history. Recorded discharges include 162 tmc ft in 1970, 148 tmc ft in 1975, 206 tmc ft in 1988, 138 tmc ft in 1989, 158 tmc ft in 1990, 187 tmc ft in 1998, 86 tmc ft in 2010, and a peak of 235 tmc ft in 2025.
The water board informed the state government that these recurring floods caused the flexible apron to deteriorate considerably. Inspection reports revealed that several concrete blocks have been displaced or washed away entirely by the force of the water. Additionally, portions of the adjoining Coursed Rubble Stone (CRS) masonry have suffered partial damage.
The SDSO observed that this extensive deterioration has directly affected the functioning of the energy dissipater. Engineers warned that if repair works are not taken up immediately, the situation could result in further structural damage to the entire barrage, risking critical drinking water infrastructure serving the region.
