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Hans India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project: Curtains on Medigadda?
Hyderabad: Is it going to be curtains on Medigadda barrage? It looks like so if the Justice PC Ghose Commission report on the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) is the criterion. Furthermore, Annaram and Sundilla barrages may also meet the same fate. For uninitiated, these three barrages are the key elements of the muti-purpose Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, the redesigned version of erstwhile Pranahita Chevella Lift Irrigation Project (PCLIP) for which foundation stone was laid by then Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh YS Rajasekhara Reddy in 2008. While it was proposed to lift water from Pranahita river from Tummidihetti under PCLIP, the key location was shifted to Medigadda near Kaleshwaram in Bhupalpally district in 2016 by the then Chief Minister of Telangana and BRS president K Chandrashekar Rao, citing non-availability of adequate water at Tummidihetti. The Telangana government spent close to a whopping Rs 1 lakh crore on the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project after shifting the location, and constructed barrages at Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla. The Medigadda barrage is the crucial part of the redesigned project as entire water from Pranahita river is to be lifted from there with massive pumps. But interestingly, the Justice PC Ghose Commission which investigated into the irregularities in the construction of the Kaleshwaram project and misuse of public funds, found fault with the shifting of the location in the first place! This clearly shows that the fate of one of the biggest lift irrigation schemes in India is hanging in the balance now. Under these circumstances, the recommendation of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) to the state government that it should go for repair of the sunken piers of Medigadda, and cracks developed in Sundilla and Annaram barrages will remain non-starter. Following the Ghose commission's report, which pinpointed the pitfalls during the construction of the Kaleshwaram project, including planning, design, execution and operation and maintenance, the state government has reportedly concluded that the project has turned into a non-performing asset and a white elephant for the state exchequer. The state Cabinet, which met on Monday, deliberated the Ghose Commission report at length and found that maintenance of the project would be a huge burden in the future. The Commission report was categorical that 'Kaleshwaram project, the intended lifeline for Telangana, has become a colossal waste of public money due to a profound failure of governance, planning, technical oversight, and financial discipline'. The report blamed the then chief minister, irrigation and finance ministers, irrigation officials and contract agencies from designing the project to its execution without following any scientific methodology. Officials said that the Ghose Commission found fault with the previous BRS government in every aspect of the execution of the project saying that it was unviable. The question of the existence of the Medigadda barrage is also crucial in the wake of the Congress government's proposal to construct a barrage at Tummidihetti by redesigning the project as per the earlier proposal of Pranahita Chevella Lift Irrigation Project. 'KCR abandoned Pranhita project and constructed Kaleshwaram project in the guise of redesigning and reengineering. Now, the Congress government is ready to construct Tummidihetti barrage by changing designs and scraping some barrages, pump sets and diversion of water through new canals and lifts. Though it is too early', said officials, while adding that the 'current government was developing a network for optimum utilisation of Godavari water through Tummidihatti'. However, the new proposal will not fructify until Maharashtra gives its nod for the construction of Tummidihetti barrage as there are some submergence issues. Meanwhile, irrigation experts, seeking anonymity, told The Hans India that the report released on Monday was more political in nature rather than technical. The technical aspects were not explained in detail. Instead, the commission compiled the statements of irrigation officials, experts and political leaders and drew its conclusions. The state government should make public the overwhelming 665-page report to understand the commission's technical understanding of the project, they pointed out. The Ghose panel should explain why the entire project was not viable and substantiate their findings with valid evidence and technicalities, they said.


Time of India
17-07-2025
- Time of India
Spiked toddy: Fall in number of tappers in Telangana a major cause of adulteration
HYDERABAD: The age-old tradition of toddy tapping in Telangana is teetering on the edge of collapse, and experts warn that the sharp decline in licensed tappers is fuelling a dangerous rise in adulterated toddy—posing serious public health risks. Once a robust and respected occupation with around eight lakh active tappers, the number has plummeted to just 1.9 lakh today. Most of those still in the trade are elderly, with few alternative skills. The younger generation, even from toddy tapper families, is moving away from the profession in search of more secure, better-paying jobs after completing their education. While rural districts still have a limited pool of skilled tappers, urban toddy compound operators are reportedly unwilling to hire them. Instead, they procure toddy by arranging their own labour and managing logistics. Tapping from govt-allotted trees in distant districts entails high transport costs, leading some compound owners to cut corners by selling adulterated toddy. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad FALSE EMPLOYMENT CLAIMS 'Some operators find it easier and cheaper to manufacture spurious toddy. This often results in severe health issues—even deaths. The poor, unaware of the risk, are the most affected,' said a source familiar with the operations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo Worryingly, there are also allegations that some urban toddy compounds falsely claim to employ tappers from Bihar on record, while in reality, no such hiring takes place—raising questions about regulatory oversight. The issue of adulterated toddy is not new. During the tenure of late YS Rajasekhara Reddy in united Andhra Pradesh, the govt was forced to ban toddy compounds following several tragic incidents where contaminated toddy caused multiple fatalities. In 2014, with the formation of Telangana and the BRS govt taking charge, toddy compounds were reinstated. However, activists and public health experts argue that re-opening them without addressing the root causes of adulteration has only revived an old problem in a new form. One solution, they suggest, lies in reviving a forgotten initiative from the NTR era—Varuni Vahini scheme. This model involved setting up govt-run factories in every district to process toddy with fruit additives, all under the strict supervision of the excise department.


India Gazette
12-07-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
"Our govt working towards "TelanganaRising" vision": CM Revanth Reddy
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], July 12 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has said that the spirit of Telangana is similar to the ethos of America since both are special in seeking friendship and strengthening the ties, a release said. Participating in America Independence Day celebrations in Hyderabad on Friday, the Chief Minister extended warm greetings to American citizens. The CM observed that the world has completely changed after America attained independence. America unveiled many positive aspects in front of the world and played a key role as a guide to build a strong democratic world and in providing continuous innovations, the release stated. CM Revanth Reddy pointed out that America has changed the world's perspective in two aspects. Developed country maintained a strong spirit of never accepting defeat. As a strong country, it has always been able to give solutions in a positive way in many issues. On the same lines, Telangana is also seeking friendship and strengthening ties, the release added. About 200 American companies from sectors like IT, pharma, defence, manufacturing, and aerospace are already operating in Hyderabad. The CM said that 'We are trying to further improve trade relations between America and Telangana. Our government is working towards the 'TelanganaRising' vision to achieve a 1 trillion US dollar economy by 2035 and a 3 trillion dollar US economy by 2047', the CM said seeking the USA support to achieve the target. Many students from Telangana are also going to America to fulfill their dreams. CM Revanth Reddy hoped that Hyderabad will develop further and bring the best of America to Telangana. He also strongly believed that the theme - 'Unite.. Stronger' will help to grow fast. During the Congress government led by Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy, the US Consulate General office was established in Hyderabad and started strengthening ties with America, it added. Stating that America displayed a great commitment in improving diplomatic relations with India, the CM said that the friendly relationship between Telugu people and America has become very strong. The Telugu language was also developing rapidly in America. The Chief Minister emphasized that the strategic partnership between America and India should continue at the national level based on mutual trust and values. Both countries want to have friendly and strong relations with the goals of expanding trade, commerce, investment, democracy, and establishing world peace. He stressed more cooperation in military and space research between two countries. Both countries have set a record in trade related to investments in the technology sector. Hyderabad Consul General Jennifer Larson is standing as a strong bridge between Telangana and America in strengthening trade relations, the CM said. (ANI)


Hans India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
YSR remembered on birth anniversary
Ongole: The YSR Congress Party leaders and cadre celebrated the 76th birth anniversary of the former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy here on Tuesday. YSRCP Prakasam district president and Darsi MLA Dr Buchepalli Siva Prasad Reddy, ZP Chairperson Buchepalli Venkayamma, Ongole in-charge Chunduri Ravi Babu, YSRCP district observer Battula Brahmananda Reddy, and others garlanded the statue of YS Rajasekhara Reddy at the Church Centre here. he leaders said that Rajasekhar Reddy is in the hearts of the poor people and they are celebrating his birthday in every nook and corner of the state by offering floral tributes at his statues. They said that Rajasekhara Reddy had focused on irrigation projects, housing, pensions, Arogyasri, and other welfare programmes. They said that YSR's son, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, had implemented more welfare programmes by treading in the path laid by his father. At the district party office, the YSRCP leaders cut a cake and organised a blood donation camp, celebrating the birth anniversary of the former chief minister.


Hans India
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
YS Jagan paid tributes to YS Rajashekhar Reddy on birth anniversary
On the occasion of the 76th birth anniversary of former Chief Minister of united Andhra Pradesh, the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy, celebrations took place across the Telugu states and abroad. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the former Chief Minister and son of YS Rajasekhara Reddy, paid homage at YSR Ghat in Idupulapaya, participating in special prayers held in memory of his father. Miss you Dad! — YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (@ysjagan) July 8, 2025 Following the prayers, Jagan met his mother, Vijayamma, who blessed him on this significant occasion. Family members of the YS clan and numerous supporters gathered to commemorate the legacy of the late Chief Minister in united Kadapa district, reflecting the continued influence of his leadership and vision.