Telangana’s Kaleshwaram Project Faces Major Controversies
Why in the News?
The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) in Telangana faces scrutiny after barrages developed structural damages within a few years of completion. A judicial commission, headed by Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose, has investigated the lapses and submitted its findings to the State government.
Controversies and Structural Failures:
● Location Shift: Original site at Tummidihatti (with >200 tmc ft water availability per CWC) moved to Medigadda, citing water shortage; earlier works worth ₹11,000 crore at Tummidihatti left incomplete.
● Foundation Concerns: Barrages allegedly built on permeable foundations, unable to withstand large inflows.
● Structural Damage:
○ Sundilla Barrage: Piers sank.
○ Annaram & Sundilla: Developed cracks due to high water storage against technical advice.
● Decision-Making: Accusations that then CM K. Chandrasekhar Rao bypassed Cabinet approval and acted unilaterally.
● Public Money Concerns: Rapid deterioration led to criticism of poor planning and execution.
Judicial Probe and Political Response
● Inquiry: One-man judicial commission under Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose; examined 110 witnesses including KCR, former irrigation minister T. Harish Rao, and ex-finance minister Eatala Rajender.
● Findings: Highlighted negligent fund release and execution lapses.
● Government Plan: Present report in Assembly during monsoon session, seek cross-party opinion, and inform public.
● BRS Stand: Defends project as CWC-approved and Assembly-ratified, claiming criticism is politically motivated.
● Unique Feature: World’s largest multi-stage lift irrigation project with over 1,800 km canal network.
● Aim: Irrigation for 16 lakh acres across 13 districts, stabilisation of ayacut, and drinking water supply to Hyderabad and villages en route.
● Water Allocation: 240 tmc ft — 169 for irrigation, 30 for Hyderabad drinking water, 16 for industrial/miscellaneous use, 10 for rural drinking water.
● Infrastructure: Barrages at Medigadda, Annaram, Sundilla, and Ramadugu.
● Cost: Initially ₹71,000 crore, escalated to over ₹1 lakh crore.