Telangana CM Orders CBI Probe into Kaleshwaram Project Irregularities, Cites Judicial Commission Report
PakkaHyderabadi 
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy speaks in the Telangana Assembly announcing a CBI investigation into the Kaleshwaram irrigation project irregularities
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced a CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities found in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, which was constructed during the previous BRS government’s tenure. Speaking in the Legislative Assembly after a short discussion on the judicial commission’s report, Reddy stressed the complexity of the case involving inter-state issues and multiple central and state agencies, making a central investigation necessary.
He explained that various central government organizations and financial institutions were involved in the project’s design, construction, and financing, which justified handing over the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Both the judicial commission’s report and the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) highlighted the need for a deeper investigation into planning and implementation flaws.
The judicial commission, led by former Supreme Court judge Justice P C Ghose, identified multiple defects and irregularities in the project that could warrant criminal action. According to the NDSA report, failures in planning, design, and quality control were responsible for the collapse of the Medigadda barrage, a critical structure within the project.
Chief Minister Reddy further revealed that the government has paid Rs 49,835 crore towards the loan taken for the project, including Rs 19,879 crore in principal and Rs 29,956 crore in interest. He noted that his government successfully negotiated a debt restructuring of over Rs 26,000 crore, criticizing the previous BRS regime for securing loans at exorbitant interest rates.
During the assembly debate, Reddy accused the former government of misusing public funds by relocating the barrage from Thummidi Hatti to Medigadda against expert advice, leading to operational failures. The judicial commission suggested that the government consider legal actions against former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. The report was tabled on Sunday, although the BRS party staged a walkout, alleging inadequate time to respond to the findings.
