The Telangana Assembly discussed the Justice PC Ghose Commission report on the anomalies in the 1.10 lakh crore Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. The report accused former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao and other senior officials of committing grave negligence in planning, execution and finances.
Project Background
The project was conceived to increase the irrigation and drinking water supply, by lifting the godavari water using barrages at Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla. First projected to be 38,500 crore, the cost has increased to more than 1.10 lakh crore by 2022.
Commission Findings
The report deplored relocation of the source of water at Tummadihatti to Medigadda without professional reasons. It placed the blame on the former CM, ministers and bureaucrats that ignored expert advice, avoided vetting by Central Water Commission and gave approvals without due process.
Suppression of Evidence
Retired Chief Secretary SK Joshi and the Engineer-in-Chief C Muralidhar Rao (among others) were accused of censorship of expert committee findings which allowed unauthorised construction.
Financial Irregularities
Off-budget borrowings of 87,449 crore were forced out by massive cost overruns. Lack of vigilance by the finance and irrigation department to track the costs raised red flags in the report, leading to the massive financial mismanagement.
Next Steps
It is anticipated that the government will announce follow-up measures, depending on the findings, and a measure of accountability might be taken against those who are mentioned in the report.
Month: Current Affairs - September 03, 2025
Category: current affairs daily