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Justice Panel Slams KCR Harish
Justice Ghosh Panel Indicts KCR, Harish Rao Over Kaleshwaram Project Irregularities
Panel Report Unveiled: A Political Storm in Telangana
The political landscape in Telangana has been shaken by the findings of the Justice PC Ghosh Commission, which has attributed significant blame to former Chief Minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) supremo K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) and ex-Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao for irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS). The report, running into 650 pages, was formally discussed by Telangana’s current Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy during a cabinet meeting held on August 4 in Hyderabad.
The Commission’s inquiry into the Kaleshwaram project, particularly focusing on the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages, has exposed significant flaws in the planning, execution, and maintenance of what was once touted as one of the largest lift irrigation projects in the world.
15-Month Long Probe: Witnesses, Documents, and Disclosures
The Justice PC Ghosh Commission, led by retired Supreme Court judge Pinaki Chandra Ghose, began its probe over 15 months ago following questions raised about the structural stability and financial transparency of the Kaleshwaram project.
The Commission examined over 115 witnesses, which included a wide range of personnel — from serving and retired irrigation engineers to government contractors and project consultants. Several officials associated with the implementation of the project reportedly shared crucial information about the poor quality of construction materials, the redesigning of the project without adequate technical justification, and political interference that may have led to inflated costs.
KCR’s Deposition: Justification vs. Accountability
One of the most significant moments during the Commission’s hearings was the appearance of KCR himself on June 11. During his testimony, he attempted to defend his decision to redesign and re-engineer the Kaleshwaram project after assuming office.
He claimed that the original design lacked efficiency in water lifting and did not consider long-term sustainability. However, sources close to the Commission suggest that KCR’s explanations failed to justify the massive cost escalation and the project’s technical failures, particularly the sinking pillars at the Medigadda barrage, which had earlier triggered emergency safety audits.
Key Findings: Design Flaws and Financial Discrepancies
The Commission’s final report reveals disturbing findings, including:
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Lack of proper hydrological studies before construction began.
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Unscientific redesigning of original project plans post-2014.
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Violation of tender norms, with contracts awarded to favored companies.
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Use of sub-standard construction materials, leading to structural vulnerabilities.
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Negligence in maintenance, resulting in damage to key infrastructures such as Medigadda barrage.
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No accountability mechanisms, despite public funding running into thousands of crores.
The Commission specifically blamed KCR and Harish Rao for their direct involvement in altering the scope of the project without involving neutral experts or adhering to standard operating protocols. The failure to conduct third-party quality checks and the excessive centralization of decision-making have been pointed out as major causes of the project’s present troubles.
What’s Next? CID or ACB Investigation Likely
Sources from within the Telangana government indicate that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy is likely to act on the Commission’s recommendations. The government may initiate a formal investigation through either the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) or the Crime Investigation Department (CID).
If such a probe is initiated, KCR and Harish Rao could face legal consequences, including possible interrogation and asset examination. The Revanth Reddy-led Congress government has repeatedly accused the previous BRS regime of “engineering scams under the guise of development,” and this report is expected to be a cornerstone of that narrative.
Opposition Reacts: BRS Calls Report Politically Motivated
As expected, the BRS has dismissed the findings of the Justice Ghosh Commission as a “politically motivated witch hunt.” A statement issued by the BRS leadership alleged that the Congress government was trying to divert attention from its own failures by targeting opposition leaders.
T Harish Rao, while addressing a press conference, said, “We built Kaleshwaram to give Telangana a lifeline. This report is a deliberate attempt to erase that legacy. We will fight this legally and politically.”
However, critics argue that such statements are a deflection from the core issues, especially when public money and farmer livelihoods are at stake.
Kaleshwaram: Dream Project or White Elephant?
The Kaleshwaram project, inaugurated in 2019, was envisioned to irrigate over 45 lakh acres across Telangana and provide drinking water to several districts. Billed as the world’s largest lift irrigation system, the project had initially drawn admiration from across the country.
But concerns began to surface in late 2022, when structural damages were reported at key barrages. Engineers found cracks, subsidence, and water seepage — signs of poor design and execution. Following this, the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) conducted inspections and recommended urgent repairs.
The Justice Ghosh Commission was then formed to investigate whether these damages were the result of natural wear or deliberate negligence.
Public Accountability: A Wake-Up Call
Civil society organizations and environmental experts have hailed the Justice Ghosh panel report as a step towards transparency and accountability in public infrastructure spending. The irrigation project had cost over Rs 1.2 lakh crore, and questions about its cost-effectiveness, ecological impact, and execution have persisted for years.
Environmental activist Dr. Ramesh Reddy commented, “We warned years ago that such massive engineering ventures without proper ecological assessments and checks could backfire. Today’s findings validate those fears.”
Political Implications: Congress Gains Momentum
With Telangana heading towards crucial local elections next year, the timing of the report is likely to benefit the ruling Congress. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who has already launched a series of administrative audits targeting BRS-era projects, is expected to use the Commission’s findings as a launchpad for anti-corruption reforms.
The Congress may also consider tabling the Justice Ghosh report in the Assembly, thereby forcing an open debate and further cornering the opposition.
Conclusion: Transparency vs. Legacy
The Justice PC Ghosh Commission’s report has become a flashpoint in Telangana politics, spotlighting the clash between political legacy and public accountability. While the BRS defends its massive irrigation project as a development milestone, the evidence of structural failure and financial mismanagement tells a different story.
As the Telangana government prepares for possible legal action, the people of the state await answers — not just from leaders of the past, but also from those in power today — about how public resources are spent, monitored, and protected.
Disclaimer:
This news article is a rewritten version based on publicly available reports and official statements. All allegations mentioned are subject to legal scrutiny, and the individuals named are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
