Hyderabad: A retired Telangana irrigation engineer, Muralidhar, who played a key role in the Kaleshwaram project during the BRS rule, gave unclear answers when questioned by the Justice Ghose Commission. He claimed he was suffering from memory loss and could not recall details about the project.
Justice Ghose became frustrated with his responses and advised him to read books to improve his memory. The Commission also questioned other retired irrigation officials, who blamed former Chief Minister KCR for the project’s designs and construction decisions.
When asked about the selection of locations for the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages, retired engineer Nalla Venkateswarlu explained that the sites were chosen to shorten the gravity canal, increase capacity, reduce forest land acquisition, and lower power usage. However, when asked who ordered water storage in the barrages, he stated that it was done under the instructions of then CM KCR.
The Commission also inquired whether any agencies were penalized for delays in completing the project. Retired ENC Venkateswarlu responded that such penalties were never imposed. He also clarified that he frequently visited the barrages during construction.
Justice Ghose grew angry at Muralidhar’s vague replies. Muralidhar stated that he was unaware of the details regarding the barrages and could not remember anything.
The retired officials mentioned that Muralidhar retired in February 2024. In response, Commission Chairman PC Ghosh expressed his frustration, saying that even he still remembers the judgments he delivered.
Justice Ghose directly asked, “Did you just forget?” to which Muralidhar replied that he had lost his memory. The Commission then advised him to read books as a way to regain his memory.
