The Telangana Cabinet has decided to make a fresh representation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), urging it to expedite the probe into alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme.
At a Cabinet meeting held on Thursday, chaired by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, it was resolved that the state government would make an in-person appeal to the CBI Director. The meeting also reviewed several other issues, including the ongoing strike by Telangana State Road Transport Corporation employees, settlement of dues to retired staff, and plans to modernise the Gachibowli Stadium under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Briefing the media after the meeting, Irrigation minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy said the discussion centred on the recent Telangana High Court judgment regarding the report submitted by the Justice P.C. Ghose Commission, which had probed alleged irregularities in the project.
He stated that the High Court upheld the legality and constitutionality of the Commission, clarifying that it neither found fault with the panel’s appointment nor rejected its findings. However, the court flagged a procedural lapse related to the failure to issue notices to certain petitioners and noted that observations against individuals in the report cannot be acted upon directly.
According to the minister, the Cabinet observed that the court’s verdict does not dilute the broader findings of the Commission regarding alleged irregularities. He asserted that the judgment does not amount to a “clean chit” for those named in the report, including former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao.
Describing the Kaleshwaram project as a “man-made disaster,” Reddy said the Commission’s 665-page report highlighted serious flaws in planning, design, and construction, particularly in the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages. He added that the report pointed to alleged malpractice, suppression of facts, and systemic lapses.
The Cabinet noted that although the state government had issued a Government Order seeking a CBI probe into the matter, the investigation has not commenced even after nine months. In view of this, it resolved to renew its request to the central agency to initiate the probe at the earliest.
It was also decided that the Chief Minister and the Irrigation minister would meet the CBI Director soon and submit all relevant reports prepared by various agencies concerning the project.
Officials said the proposed investigation is expected to examine allegations of large-scale corruption, fund misuse reportedly exceeding Rs 1.45 lakh crore, and possible negligence by officials, contractors, and the previous administration.
The Cabinet further decided to consult legal experts in Delhi to study the High Court judgment in detail and consider approaching the Supreme Court of India for further legal recourse.
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