Congress government’s U-turn on Kaleshwaram: Course correction or diversion tactic?

The Congress government’s decision to fast-track repairs to Kaleshwaram barrages has triggered political debate in Telangana. Critics question the timing, alleging delay and diversion, while the government defends the move as necessary restoration of Medigadda, Sundilla and Annaram barrages

Hyderabad: The Congress government’s shift in stance on the Kaleshwaram project, particularly its decision to expedite repairs to three barrages, has triggered a political debate. Many are questioning whether the move is a genuine course correction or a diversion tactic. The discussion gained momentum after Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy made the announcement late on Thursday night.

The government had delayed repairs to the Medigadda, Sundilla and Annaram barrages for nearly two-and-a-half years. This sudden decision has raised eyebrows across political circles. Ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections and even after coming to power, the Congress repeatedly highlighted the sinking of piers at Medigadda to criticise the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi government. Critics now argue that this focus resulted in the loss of valuable time.

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During this period, large quantities of water flowed downstream into the Bay of Bengal. Farmers also missed irrigation support for six crop seasons. Meanwhile, the estimated repair cost has risen from Rs 700 crore to Rs 1,200 crore.

At a review meeting on Thursday, the Chief Minister directed officials to complete tests and sample collection being conducted by the Central Water and Power Research Station before the onset of monsoon.

Engineers informed the government that a comprehensive study of the entire 1.6-km Medigadda barrage is necessary, rather than limiting the focus to the piers that sunk. Following this, the Chief Minister asked officials to prepare repair designs and draw up a detailed schedule, aiming to complete the works by December. However, officials indicated that financial constraints and the scale of the work could delay execution.

Political observers note that the Congress government needs to showcase tangible achievements in the irrigation sector before the next elections. Apart from completing the remaining works of the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme and the Srisailam Left Bank Canal, the government would have limited new accomplishments to present. Much of the groundwork for the Palamuru-Rangareddy project was completed by the previous BRS administration.

Analysts suggest that the sudden announcement may also be aimed at regaining public confidence and countering allegations that the government deliberately delayed repairs.

In recent weeks, the State government has faced criticism on multiple fronts. Allegations against Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, opposition attacks during the Budget session, and former Minister T Jeevan Reddy announcing his decision to join the BRS have added to the pressure.

The Chief Minister’s campaign in Kerala and claims about fulfilling the six guarantees have also drawn criticism, including from Left parties – its allies. Against this backdrop, the decision to fast-track repairs to the three barrages is being seen by some as an attempt to shift public attention.