The Vigilance Commission, led by former IAS officer MG Gopal, has advised the state to start criminal actions against 17 officials from the state Irrigation Department, some retired. They are accused of being involved in damaging the Medigadda barrage, which caused significant financial losses. The commission also urged action against L and T under sections 120(B), 336, 409, 423, and 426 of the Indian Penal Code, and acts like the PC Act 1988, Dam Safety Act 2021, and PDPP Act 1984.
The report, given to the government in March, states that L and T should be penalized for wrongly claiming the completion certificate for the barrage. They did not meet the terms of the RE-I Supplemental Agreement. Notably, they signed another agreement, RE-II, for Rs 4,613 crore, but work on both agreements remains unfinished. The report highlights issues with Block No.7 of the barrage, where faulty execution of secant piles led to damage. This caused cavities and the block sank, requiring cost recovery from L&T-PES (JV).
The commission also recommended that the Irrigation Department prepare charges against 33 other officials due to irregularities mentioned in the report. Seven retired officials should face action according to the Telangana Revised Pension Rules.
