Stop deliberate damage to Kaleshwaram, Devadula Projects: Harish Rao

T Harish Rao flagged risks in operating Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project and Devadula schemes, warning that frequent pump switching violates engineering norms and could damage infrastructure, urging corrective steps to protect assets and farmers’ interests

Hyderabad: BRS deputy floor leader T Harish Rao raised serious concerns over the operation of Kaleshwaram and Devadula Lift Irrigation Schemes in Telangana. He warned against unscientific and dangerous operational practices that could severely damage critical infrastructure.

In a letter to Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, Harish Rao expressed outrage over frequent switching on and off of massive pumps of Kaleshwaram and Devadula projects, as they were designed for continuous use and cannot suffer repeated on-off cycles. He called it blatant violation of established engineering norms. He stated that such practices are reportedly being followed across key components of the projects, including Packages 6, 8, 10, 11, and 12, particularly at Chandlapur.

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He reminded that each restart generates intense vibrations, hydraulic stress, and water hammer effects, which could damage impellers, shafts, bearings, and other electro-mechanical components.

Raising sharp questions, he asked whether these practices were a deliberate conspiracy to damage equipment and later shift the blame onto the previous BRS government.

Pointing to the risk of long-term deterioration and costly repairs, the former Minister stressed that such mismanagement could damage assets built with massive public investment. He warned that continued misuse would not only increase maintenance burdens, but also threaten the sustainability of irrigation infrastructure vital to farmers.

Harish Rao demanded immediate corrective measures, including a complete halt to frequent start-stop operations and the adoption of continuous, scientifically managed pump functioning in line with design parameters. He urged the government to strictly follow engineering best practices to safeguard the systems.

Emphasising that irrigation projects are the lifeline of lakhs of farmers, he called for urgent intervention to prevent damage and ensure accountability in managing Telangana’s critical water infrastructure.