Representatives from L&T, the company responsible for constructing the Medigadda barrage, appeared before the Justice PC Ghose Commission of Inquiry to explain the design flaws and quality issues that led to the sinking of piers in block 7 of the barrage. The L&T team, including project director MV Ramakrishna Raju, vice-chairman Suresh, and representative Rajnish Kumar, were cross-examined by the commission on Friday.
According to L&T, the design issues, particularly the shooting velocities, were the primary cause of the piers’ sinking. They alleged that the design flaws led to damage to the cement concrete blocks and the wearing coat. The company claimed that they had informed the irrigation department of the issues three years ago, but despite their warnings, the department failed to take corrective action.
The L&T representatives further stated that the barrage was filled with water year-round since its inauguration in June 2019, which they believe contributed to the piers’ sinking. They expressed disappointment that the government did not act promptly on their warnings, and if they had, the major problem of sinking piers could have been avoided.
When asked about the repairs needed to fix the barrage, the L&T team was unable to provide a clear answer. They also clarified that they did not receive any additional payments for the coffer dam or subcontract any work, and that the completion certificate was issued only after the work was completed and the defect liability period had expired. However, the state government has recently cancelled the completion certificate, citing that it was granted despite pending works, and has initiated action against officials involved in issuing the certificate.
The L&T representatives’ testimony suggests that the design flaws and quality issues with the barrage were the primary causes of the problems, rather than any systemic failures or defects in the construction process. However, the state government’s decision to cancel the completion certificate and initiate action against officials involved in issuing it suggests that the issue is more complex and potentially more far-reaching.