The Hindu: Published on 11th August 2025.
Why in News?
The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, once promoted as Telangana’s lifeline, is under scrutiny after structural damages in key barrages (Medigadda, Sundilla, Annaram) and allegations of financial & technical mismanagement.
A one-man judicial commission headed by Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose submitted its report on July 31, 2025, detailing lapses, prompting the government to discuss the matter in the state legislature during the monsoon session.
Background-
Project Overview:
- Multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari River in Kaleshwaram, Bhupalpally district.
- Claimed as the world’s largest multi-stage lift irrigation project.
- Planned to irrigate over 16 lakh acres in 13 districts and supply drinking water to Hyderabad & nearby villages.
- Initial cost: ₹71,000 crore; later escalated to over ₹1 lakh crore.
Original Plan & Changes:
- Originally proposed at Tummidihatti under the Pranahita Chevella Sujala Sravanti (PCSS) project.
- Shifted to Medigadda site citing low water availability, despite Central Water Commission estimating sufficient water at Tummidihatti.
- About 30% of PCSS works (worth ₹11,000 crore) had already been completed before shift.
Key Issues-
Structural Failures:
- Sundilla barrage piers sank within 3 years of inauguration.
- Annaram and Sundilla barrages developed cracks after storing large volumes of water against technical advice.
- Experts allege barrages were built on permeable foundations instead of strong bedrock.
Financial Concerns:
- Huge cost escalation (over ₹30,000 crore above the original estimate).
- Questionable decision-making process without full cabinet consent.
Political Controversy:
- Allegations that then CM K. Chandrasekhar Rao made unilateral decisions.
- Accusations of ignoring technical warnings and approvals from only selective bodies.
Inquiry & Findings-
Judicial Commission:
- Headed by Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose.
- Examined over 110 witnesses, including ex-CM KCR, former irrigation minister T. Harish Rao, and former finance minister Eatala Rajender.
- Found “negligent and indifferent” fund release practices.
- Highlighted lapses in site selection, construction quality, and decision-making.
Government Action:
Congress government to present findings in Assembly and seek multi-party views on the future of the project.
Political Reactions-
BRS Position:
- Defends project as approved by statutory bodies like the CWC.
- Claims Cabinet and Assembly had ratified it (though supporting documents are allegedly missing).
- Harish Rao emphasizes first-of-its-kind presentation by CM in Assembly detailing project benefits.
Impact-
Economic Impact:
- Potential loss of thousands of crores if barrages remain damaged or unusable.
- Additional costs for repairs or redesign.
Public Confidence:
- Declining trust in large-scale irrigation infrastructure projects.
- Political damage to BRS ahead of future elections.
Water Security:
Risk to irrigation and drinking water supply plans for 13 districts if faults aren’t rectified quickly.
Possible Future Developments-
Assembly debates may lead to:
- Decision on whether to repair, redesign, or scrap parts of the project.
- Legal or criminal proceedings if corruption is proven.
- Restructuring of project management to avoid similar failures.
