Telangana IM releases white paper on irrigation water

Hyderabad: Telangana Irrigation Minister Capt Uttam Kumar Reddy released a white paper on irrigation water in the assembly on Saturday, shedding light on the challenges and issues faced by the Kaleswaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP).

During his presentation, Minister Uttam emphasized the crucial role of the Medigadda barrage in the KLIP and expressed concerns about its functionality.

He revealed that the initial estimated cost for the construction of Medigadda was Rs 1800 crore, but it later escalated to Rs 4,500 crore, indicating potential corruption in the project.

Uttam raised serious allegations against the Medigadda barrage, stating that it collapsed within three years due to issues related to design, quality, and corruption. He pointed out that the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) attributed the collapse of the Medigadda barrage to faulty planning, design, and supervision.

Highlighting current problems, Uttam disclosed that the Annaram Barrage was experiencing leaks, and NDSA officials had been summoned to address the situation. Expressing concern, he stated that Annaram Barrage is also at risk, and precautions need to be taken.

The minister criticized the financial viability of the Kaleswaram project, noting that it required an exorbitant amount of electricity, surpassing the state’s needs.

He revealed that the current expenditure for the project was Rs. 10,374 crores per year, significantly exceeding the initial approval by the Central Water Commission (CWC) for Rs. 81,000 crores.

Uttam further claimed that Mallanna Sagar was constructed without proper surveying, making it vulnerable to even minor tremors. He highlighted the CAG’s warning about the potential dangers associated with Mallanna Sagar.

In contrast, he commended the enduring strength of Nizam Sagar after a century of construction and emphasized the reliance on Sagar and Sriram Sagar to meet irrigation water needs. Additionally, he stated that the Srisailam Project could fulfill the state’s electricity requirements.

The minister concluded by referencing the CAG report, alleging that contractors had benefited from the Kaleswaram project by receiving significant sums of money, further emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in irrigation projects.