The Kaleshwaram project in Telangana has become a focal point of controversy, escalating tensions between the current Revanth Reddy government and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has announced a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the project. Speaking early Monday morning at the end of a discussion on the judicial commission’s report on the Kaleshwaram project in the Assembly, Reddy stated that the project involves inter-state issues and various central and government departments and agencies, thus making it appropriate to hand over the investigation to the CBI. The Chief Minister emphasized that the reports of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) and the judicial commission highlighted the need for a thorough and comprehensive investigation into various issues related to the project. The judicial commission, in its report, identified several shortcomings and irregularities that could warrant criminal action.
The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) is a multi-purpose irrigation project situated on the Godavari River in Kaleshwaram, Bhupalpally district, Telangana. Construction began in 2016 during the BRS government’s tenure. Its purpose was to provide water for agriculture, drinking water, and industries in Telangana. Former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) called it the lifeline of Telangana, considering it one of the world’s largest lift irrigation schemes. The project’s impact extends to the confluence of the Pranahita and Godavari rivers, delivering water through a network of canals stretching over 1,800 kilometers. Envisioned by the BRS government under K. Chandrasekhar Rao, it aimed to provide irrigation facilities to over 1.6 million acres of land in 13 districts of Telangana and stabilize existing ayacut. The project’s goal is to store and distribute 240 TMC feet of water from the Godavari River, with 169 TMC feet earmarked for irrigation, 30 TMC feet for drinking water to Hyderabad, 16 TMC feet for various and industrial uses, and 10 TMC feet for drinking water supply to villages along the way.
The Kaleshwaram project has been embroiled in controversy since its inception. Initially, the location was set to be Tummadihatti, but the government later shifted it to Medigadda. The reason given was the lack of water availability, although the Central Water Commission (CWC) report indicated over 200 TMC of water there. Allegations also suggest that the barrages were built on a weak foundation, leading to the collapse of the Sundilla barrage and cracks in the Annaram and Sundilla barrages.
The Congress had promised an investigation in its election manifesto. Upon coming to power, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy formed a judicial commission headed by Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose. The commission investigated for 15 months, questioning over 110 witnesses, including former Chief Minister KCR and Minister T. Harish Rao. The government is now discussing the report in the Assembly and seeking suggestions from all parties on further action, leading to the announcement of the CBI investigation.
Meanwhile, the BRS maintains that the project had all necessary approvals and was also approved by the Assembly. Reddy stated that the government has paid ₹49,835 crore for the Kaleshwaram project so far. Of this, ₹29,956 crore was paid as interest and ₹19,879 crore as principal. He mentioned that he had the restructuring of over ₹26,000 crore of debt done by talking to the Center. He alleged that the BRS government took loans at high-interest rates and replaced the barrage location from Tummadihatti to Medigadda to loot public money, despite retired engineers’ reports against it.
The government presented the judicial commission’s report, headed by former Supreme Court Judge Justice P.C. Ghose, in the Assembly on Sunday. The commission stated that former Chief Minister KCR could be held accountable under the law, and action depends on the state government.
The BRS protested and staged a walkout from the House, alleging that they were not given time to present their views. The commission’s report stated that the irrigation minister at the time issued arbitrary orders, and the finance minister was negligent, but the direct responsibility for irregularities in the planning, construction, and operation of all three barrages lies with the then Chief Minister.