Harish Rao defends Kaleshwaram project shift before Justice PC Ghose Commission

BRS leader T. Harish Rao told the Justice P.C. Ghose Commission that shifting the Kaleshwaram project intake point from Tummidi Hatti to Medigadda was necessary due to Maharashtra’s objections, water shortage, and ecological concerns. He submitted detailed evidence supporting the decision.

Hyderabad: In a detailed and evidence-backed deposition before the Justice PC Ghose Commission on Monday, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader and former Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao strongly defended the decision to relocate the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project’s water intake point from Tummidi Hatti to Medigadda.

Rao attributed the shift to three critical factors: Maharashtra’s unrelenting opposition, environmental constraints, and the critical issue of water availability, which rendered the original site unfeasible. His submission, supported by extensive documentation, aimed to counter allegations of mismanagement and political motives leveled by the Congress government.

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Rao elaborated that Maharashtra’s refusal to approve the required 152-metre Full Reservoir Level (FRL) at Tummidi Hatti, restricting it to 148 metres, severely limited water availability, making the site untenable for the ambitious Pranahita-Chevella project.

“The Central Water Commission (CWC) had cautioned about insufficient water at Tummidi Hatti and recommended enhancing storage through new reservoirs,” Rao stated, presenting official CWC reports to substantiate his claims. Additionally, the proximity of the Chapral Wildlife Sanctuary at Tummidi Hatti posed significant environmental challenges, stalling progress for nearly a decade due to concerns over ecological impact.

To address these hurdles, Rao explained that WAPCOS, a Central Government PSU affiliated with the CWC, conducted a comprehensive assessment, including a LiDAR survey, which identified Medigadda as a viable alternative.

“Medigadda offered water availability far surpassing Tummidi Hatti’s limited capacity,” Rao emphasized. This shift facilitated the construction of three key barrages Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla, with a combined storage capacity of 38 TMC, irrigating over 20 lakh acres and transforming Telangana’s agricultural landscape. Rao underscored that the decision was grounded in rigorous scientific and hydrological assessments, with all related correspondence and evidence submitted to the commission for scrutiny.

Addressing environmental concerns, Rao clarified that the Tummidi Hatti site’s proximity to a wildlife sanctuary created insurmountable obstacles, delaying the project for years. “Shifting to Medigadda was a pragmatic solution to bypass these constraints while maximizing the project’s potential,” he argued, dismissing claims that the decision was politically motivated.

Rao accused the Congress government of spreading misinformation to undermine the project’s success for political gains, asserting that the Kaleshwaram project has been a lifeline for Telangana’s farmers.

Rao also highlighted the transparent establishment of the Kaleshwaram Irrigation Project Corporation Limited (KIPCL), which was formed with full cabinet approval to mobilize funds and expedite construction. “The cabinet’s endorsement is well-documented, and all processes were transparent,” he stated, presenting evidence of the approval process to the commission. He detailed the project’s scale, noting its network of over 100 components, including 16 major reservoirs like Mallanna Sagar and Gandamalla, with a combined storage capacity of 141 TMC. This intricate system, Rao argued, has stabilized irrigation across Telangana, benefiting millions of farmers.

Dismissing mispronunciations like “Kuleswaram” and criticisms of the project, Rao reiterated its transformative impact. “All queries from the Justice PC Ghose Commission have been addressed with comprehensive evidence- letters, reports, and data from CWC, WAPCOS, and other authoritative sources,” he said.