Hyderabad: T Harish Rao, a senior leader from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi and former irrigation minister, discussed the Kaleshwaram project with the Justice Ghose Commission. This project, the largest lift irrigation scheme in the state, is under investigation for alleged irregularities. Harish Rao explained its economic benefits.
He appeared before the Commission on Monday, presenting documents that showed how the project was planned to generate revenue. This revenue would come from supplying water to industries, helping repay loans taken for construction. The project aimed to avoid financial strain on the state by using generated income for loan payments. Covid-19, however, disrupted these plans. The project also addresses the growing need for irrigation and drinking water in Hyderabad.
When questioned about the project’s design and maintenance, Harish Rao provided government orders and reports from the Central Water Commission and a Technical Committee. He mentioned that due to opposition from the Maharashtra government on Tummidihetti, the BRS government chose the Medigadda barrage, based on expert recommendations.
Harish Rao explained the purpose of a Cabinet Sub Committee, which included T Nageswara Rao, E Rajendar, and himself. This committee focused on enhancing irrigation facilities and had no direct role in the Kaleshwaram project. Engineers, not the committee, were responsible for technical aspects like filling barrages with water. Various reports and letters from relevant authorities were submitted as evidence.
After 40 minutes of questioning, Harish Rao spoke to the media. He highlighted that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy recently started the Gandamalla Project, which will use water from the Mallanna Sagar reservoir, part of the Kaleshwaram project. Projects like the Musi River beautification and Hyderabad’s water supply also depend on Mallanna Sagar.
He further noted that the Coca Cola Company set up a manufacturing unit in Siddipet, using water from Kaleshwaram. This demonstrates the project’s economic benefits. The previous government had planned to support industries along the project’s water routes to generate additional revenue.
