The Justice Chandra Ghose Commission on Kaleshwaram in Hyderabad has asked senior IAS officers from the state Irrigation wing, retired irrigation officials, and former Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar to submit their affidavits within a week. This comes after recent damage to three barrages – Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla.
Former irrigation secretaries Smita Sabharwal, Rajat Kumar, Vikas Raj, and SK Joshi, along with state Irrigation secretary Rahul Bojja, appeared before the Commission to give their statements. Justice Ghose questioned them about project designs, approvals, alleged irregularities in construction, and potential influences from past political figures.
The Commission also inquired about defects in barrage construction and poor maintenance during the previous government’s tenure. The IAS officials explained their side to the Commission and were asked to submit written affidavits for further investigation.
State Finance Secretary Ramakrishna Rao requested additional time to appear before the Commission due to the upcoming budget session of the assembly. Former Chief Secretary SK Joshi participated in the proceedings via video conference.
Telangana JAC (Electricity) leader Raghu, a senior official from the state Energy department, presented a powerpoint to the Commission highlighting government failures in the construction of Medigadda. He mentioned that construction had begun before DPR approval and technical deficiencies were also discussed during the session.
