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Key Points

The Ghose Commission has escalated its investigation into the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project by summoning key political figures. Former Telangana Chief Minister KCR, along with ex-ministers Harish Rao and Eatala Rajender, have been called to provide testimony about alleged project irregularities. The one-man commission, led by retired Supreme Court judge Pinaki Chandra Ghose, has already examined over 100 engineers and officials who suggested decisions were made at the highest political levels. The investigation comes after structural issues were discovered in the project's barrages, prompting a deeper scrutiny of its planning and execution.

Key Points: KCR Faces Kaleshwaram Project Probe by Ghose Commission

  • Probe focuses on Kaleshwaram project barrage construction irregularities
  • Commission extends investigation period till July 31
  • Over 100 engineers and officials already examined
2 min read

Kaleshwaram probe: Ghose Commission summons KCR, ex-ministers

Justice Ghose summons ex-CM KCR, ministers Harish Rao and Eatala Rajender in Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project irregularities investigation

"Most of the engineers examined either admitted to lapses or expressed ignorance about decision-making - Ghose Commission Report"

Hyderabad, May 20

Justice P.C. Ghose Commission, which is probing irregularities in the execution of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation project, has summoned former chief minister and BRS president K. Chandrasekhar Rao.

The Commission has also issued notices to former Minister T. Harish Rao and BJP MP Eatala Rajender.

While K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) has been asked to appear on June 5, BRS leader Harish Rao has been summoned on June 6. Rajender has been directed to appear before the Commission on June 9.

During KCR's first term as the chief minister between 2014 and 2018, Harish Rao was the irrigation minister while Rajender held the finance portfolio. During KCR's second term from 2018 to 2023, Harish Rao was the finance minister, while the irrigation portfolio was with KCR.

The Commission, headed by retired Supreme Court judge Pinaki Chandra Ghose, is probing the alleged irregularities in planning, design, construction, quality control, operation and maintenance of Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla Barrages of the Kaleshwaram project.

The one-man Commission was constituted in March 2024, a few months after some piers of the Medigadda Barrage caved in.

The term of the Commission has been extended repeatedly for seven times so far after its initial term ended on June 30, 2024.

Notices to KCR, Harish Rao and Rajender were issued a day after the state government extended the Commission’s term for two more months, till July 31, to enable it to complete the examination of all those involved.

The Commission has so far examined over 100 engineers, retired and serving officials associated with the barrages and others.

Most of the engineers who were examined by the Commission either admitted to lapses in the procedures or expressed ignorance about decision-making.

The Commission examined various documents, including the final report of the National Dam Safety Authority, the Vigilance report and other files.

The panel was expected to submit its report to the government on May 21 or 22. However, the Commission decided to examine KCR, Harish Rao and Rajender as most of the engineers and officials who deposed before it stated that the decisions were taken in the presence of the then chief minister and that they acted on the chief minister's and ministers’ orders.

Meanwhile, reacting to the notices, BRS leader Krishank Manne alleged that a notice was issued to KCR to disturb BRS NRI celebrations scheduled to be held in the United States on June 1.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the Kaleshwaram probe article:
R
Rajesh K.
Finally some accountability in Telangana! This project was KCR's dream but if public money was wasted due to corruption, he must answer. Hope the Commission gets to the truth without political interference. 🤞
P
Priya M.
As someone from Nizamabad, I've seen how much hype was created around Kaleshwaram. Now if the barrages are failing so soon, questions must be asked. But let's not make this political - focus should be on fixing the issues for farmers' sake.
S
Suresh V.
The timing is suspicious - just before US NRI event? But truth must come out. If engineers are admitting lapses, then someone at top must take responsibility. Hope justice prevails without vendetta politics.
A
Ananya R.
Why did it take a barrage collapse to start this probe? Our systems need more proactive checks on mega projects. Taxpayers' money shouldn't be wasted like this. Hope this sets a precedent for better governance!
V
Vikram J.
As an engineer myself, I'm shocked that professionals would compromise on quality just following orders. Technical decisions should be based on merit, not political pressure. This case shows why we need stronger professional ethics in government projects.
K
Kavita S.
The Commission's term has been extended 7 times! Either they're being thorough or someone is delaying things. Hope they wrap up soon and give clear recommendations to prevent such issues in future projects. Our water resources are too precious for such experiments.

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