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The Hindu
5 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
What is Telangana's Kaleshwaram project? What is the controversy around it?
The story so far: The much-hyped Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP), billed as the lifeline of Telangana by the previous BRS government, is mired in controversies over the manner in which it has been conceived and executed. A barrage forming a major component of the project suffered damages within three years of its inauguration, while two others constructed upstream reportedly developed cracks resulting in the charge that the KLIP was a colossal waste of public money burdening the State exchequer for years to come. What is Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project? KLIP is a multi-purpose irrigation project on Godavari river in Kaleshwaram of Bhupalpally in Telangana. Billed as the world's largest multi-stage irrigation project and the lifeline of Telangana by the then BRS government, Kaleshwaram's upstream influence is at the confluence of Pranahita and Godavari. It utilises a canal network of more than 1,800 km. Why was it constructed? The project was conceived by the BRS government, headed by K. Chandrasekhar Rao, to provide irrigation facilities to over 16 lakh acres in 13 districts of Telangana, besides stabilising the existing ayacut. It aims at storing and distributing 240 tmc ft of Godavari water of which 169 tmc ft is proposed to be allocated for irrigation, 30 tmc ft for drinking water to Hyderabad, 16 tmc ft for miscellaneous and industrial uses and another 10 tmc ft for drinking water supply to villages en route. Where was it built? The government has constructed barrages across Godavari at Ramadugu, Medigadda, Sundilla and Annaram. The water is stored there for lifting to needy areas to cater to the drinking water and irrigation needs. What was the cost of constructing KLIP? The project was conceived at a cost of ₹71,000 crore initially. The cost escalated to close to over ₹1 lakh crore over a period of time. Finishing works, including canals and lining along with pumping facilities in some more parts, is likely to take few more thousands of crores. What is the controversy around KLIP? The project has been mired in controversies right from the beginning as the then government shifted the location from Tummidihatti to Medigadda even after reportedly receiving hydrology clearance for the former location. The shifting of the site was made on the pretext of non availability of water at Tummidihatti, but the inquiry conducted by Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose revealed that the Central Water Commission has estimated the water availability at Tummidihatti to be over 200 tmcft. Who is at fault? A major allegation that has surfaced in the construction of the project was that the barrages were constructed on permeable foundations rather than strong foundations that can withstand the inflow of heavy quantum of water. The shifting of location — from Tumidihatti to Medigadda — too came under criticism as the almost 30% of the works at Pranahita Chevella Sujala Sravanti (PCSS) project — started by Congress government in united Andhra Pradesh in 2008 — at Tummidihatti costing over Rs. 11,000 crore were completed by then. Another major charge against the BRS Government was that the decision to go ahead with the project works was taken solely by Mr. Chandrasekhar Rao and not the one taken by the Government amid charges that the then dispensation did not obtain the consent of the State Cabinet before launching the works. How was this found? The faults in Kaleshwaram project were exposed during the BRS regime when the piers of the Sundilla barrage sunk substantiating the claims that the barrage was constructed on permeable foundation. Two other barrages Annaram and Sundilla too developed cracks as the government impounded and stored huge quantities of water against the technical advise. Why was an Inquiry Commission formed? Constitution of a judicial commission to probe the lapses in Kaleshwaram was an election promise of the Congress which included the issue in its manifesto. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy Government constituted the one-man judicial commission headed by Justice Ghose for a thorough inquiry into the processes that went into the construction of the much-publicised project. How did the Commission inquire? Justice Ghose examined over 110 witnesses during the course of his 15 month inquiry and those examined included former CM K. Chandrasekhar Rao, former Ministers T. Harish Rao (Irrigation) and Eatala Rajender (Finance) of BRS government, the latter especially for releasing funds adopting 'negligent and indifferent attitude'. Mr. Harish Rao was accused of insisting the officials and construction agencies on the completion of the project at the behest of KCR. What is the Telangana government doing about the report? After ordering an inquiry by the judicial commission, which submitted its report on July 31, the Telangana government has decided to take up a discussion on Kaleshwaram project in the legislature during the monsoon session. The government plans to explain about the lapses to the people in detail and to elicit views of all political parties, including the BRS, on the future course of action on the revelations of the Justice Ghose commission. What does BRS have to say about the accusations and judicial commission report? The BRS on its part appears to be guarded in response to the accusations. Mr. Harish Rao, however, defended the project claiming that the project received approvals from several statutory bodies, including the CWC. It also had the approval of the Cabinet, the papers of which were not being revealed by the government. The project was also ratified by the Assembly where Mr. Chandrasekhar Rao has made a power point presentation, the first of its kind, on Kaleshwaram explaining the members about the salient features of the project.
The Hindu
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Ghose Commission blames KCR for being directly and vicariously accountable for irregularities in Kaleshwaram
Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose Commission has blamed former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao as 'directly and vicariously' accountable for the irregularities and the illegalities in planning, construction, completion, operation and maintenance of the three barrages Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla forming part of the much-hyped Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP). 'His involvement and directions minutely... is the cause and result of irregularities and the cause of distress to these three barrages,' the Commission said in its 665-page report which was examined by the State Council of Ministers on Monday. The commission said it could be categorically held that there was rank irregularity from the stage of conceptualisation of Kaleshwaram project till the issuance of administrative approvals on March 1, 2016 for construction of the three barrages and 'this is not the decision of the government, but of individuals'. 'The then Chief Minister (Mr. Chandrasekhar Rao) is pre-determined and bent upon to construct barrage at Medigadda at his free choice and the authorities associated with the decision making facilitated them,' Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said. The Minister, through a power point presentation, explained the highlights of the concise report prepared by the officials committee comprising secretaries of Irrigation, Law and General Administration departments constituted to thoroughly examine Justice Ghose commission's report. The commission he said was constituted to inquire into the negligence, irregularities and lacunae in Planning, Designing and Construction of Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla Barrages. 'Mr. Chandrasekhar Rao has mortgaged the people of Telangana borrowing high interest, low tenure funds from non banking financial institutions like the Power Finance Corporation and Rural Electrification Corporation,' he said. This was after the previous government spent ₹11,000 crore, 32% of the project cost of around ₹38,000 crore on the Pranahita Chevella Sujala Sravanti project which was re-engineered. The commission had inquired into various facets of Kaleshwaram right from its conceptualisation and found that there were several lacunae in planning, design, construction and operation and maintenance of the project. It had considered reports submitted by the National Dam Safety Authority, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Vigilance & Enforcement and other agencies before finalising its report. 'The decision to shift the project site from Tummidihatti to Medigadda is not a Cabinet decision, but a decision of the individuals. The decision to shift the site does not appear to be sincere and honest,' he said adding the commission revealed that non-availability of water at Tummidihatti as claimed by Mr. Chandrasekhar Rao was not a correct and genuine reason. He recalled how Mr. Chandrasekhar Rao claimed in the assembly that a team of retired engineers was constituted to study the project. But, the report which recommended against construction of the project at Medigadda and other sites had been deliberately suppressed by the then Chief Minister and Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao and officials, including then Irrigation secretary S.K. Joshi. Moreover, the barrage construction at Medigadda did not receive the consent of the Cabinet which was illegal. 'It is a sole individual decision of Mr. Rao and there was no formal decision of the government in this regard,' he said. In addition, Mr. Rao ensured that the project works were commenced much before the formal detailed project report was prepared which was tantamount to violation of every guideline. The report of the judicial commission was marked with frequent mentions about revised estimates and of the cost escalations besides the project design where construction was permitted on permeable foundations. 'There are several instances of construction defects and inadequate quality controls while Mr. Chandrasekhar Rao had directed impounding of water into the barrages at their peril. The government had also obtained completion certificates wrongfully,' he quoted the commission as saying and added that the Chief Minister, then Irrigation Minister, Finance Minister and several officials were made liable for the irregularities and illegalities in the Kaleshwaram project. While the special purpose vehicle Kaleshwaram Irrigation Project Corporation Limited was collectively responsible for releasing money at its will, the executing agencies, L&T, Afcons, Navayuga 'acted hand in glove' with the project authorities. 'They should be made liable for repairing the defects at their own cost the Commission recommended,' he said.
The Hindu
26-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Shabbir Ali asks BRS to clarify its stand on Muslim inclusion in 42% BC quota
Advisor to Telangana Government and senior Congress leader Mohammed Ali Shabbir on Saturday demanded that leaders of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) clarify their stand on the inclusion of Muslims under the proposed 42% BC quota in Telangana. Addressing a condolence meeting organised by the Telangana Urdu Working Journalists Federation, he questioned whether BRS leaders, including former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and former Ministers K.T. Rama Rao and T. Harish Rao, are supporting the BJP's demand to remove BC-E Muslims from the OBC category or backing the Congress party's efforts to enhance the BC quota. The silence of BRS leaders on BJP's stand raises suspicions that they were supporting the BJP's stance over removal of Muslims from OBCs, he said. Mr Shabbir Ali, who attended the event to pay tributes to senior Urdu journalists Syed Shaik Naseeruddin and Syed Khader Mohiuddin Quadri (Waheed Quadri), also extended immediate financial assistance to their family members. He also called for proper documentation of the contributions and legacy of Urdu journalists, suggesting that their work be compiled into short books to preserve their memory and inspire future generations.
The Hindu
28-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
BRS lodges complaint against TV channel for airing defamatory content
HYDERABAD The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) on Saturday lodged a complaint with the Cyber Crime Cell of the City Police, requesting immediate legal action against the Mahaa News channel, its staff and associated digital platforms, stating that the channel was spreading highly defamatory, false and derogatory allegations against BRS president K. Chandrasekhar Rao, K.T. Rama Rao and their family members. The complaint said that the content aired by Mahaa News contained baseless, vulgar, and deliberately provocative allegations intended to malign the reputation of the BRS leaders through character assassination and criminal intimidation. The material was presented using sensational and false thumbnails and abusive language. The content was aired on Mahaa television network and also uploaded on their YouTube channel, targeting KCR, KTR and their family members. The complaint stated that the broadcast has caused deep mental distress to all party (BRS) workers and well-wishers of BRS and has triggered widespread outrage due to its vulgar and unfounded accusations. Meanwhile, Mr. Rama Rao urged the party ranks to stay calm and trust the legal process, though their agony and respect for the party leadership was understandable. 'Let's stay focused on questioning the Congress Government and their 420 promises, as a person such as A. Revanth Reddy, who was caught with bags of cash, is running the State and lies and slander have become mainstream', he suggested to the party workers.
The Hindu
11-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
KCR is the ‘whole & sole' of Kaleshwaram project: BJP
Former Chief Minister and BRS president K. Chandrasekhar Rao was the 'whole and sole' of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, which is the world's biggest engineering blunder, constructed with basic design flaws, charged BJP's Chevella MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy. 'Anyone in BRS will tell you that. Did not a former Governor call KCR as 'Kaleshwar' Rao? There is nothing wrong in what my fellow MP Eatala Rajender has told the Ghose Commission because KCR is the Cabinet and Cabinet is KCR,' he told a press conference at the State BJP office on Wednesday. Mr. Reddy said that the ₹1.2 lakh crore project was built without proper analysis concerning geology, hydrology, weather science, engineering or economic viability. 'They used barrages as dams, which led to weakening of the foundation and collapse of piers,' he alleged. The MP said that Telangana has registered a record 2.80 crore tonnes of rice this year, and this happened without any help from the much-touted lift irrigation project as it was 'non-functional'. 'The previous year's rice output has been much less. We have not become number one in paddy production, but have become zero financially because of the debt incurred in building the project,' he said. The BJP leader added that TG is growing more paddy than what the country needs or can handle. It is the Centre's subsidies that are protecting farmers. 'Each farmer is receiving up to ₹91,000 a year direct benefit, including fertilizers. This is much more than what farmers get in BJP-ruled states,' he added.
