Kaleshwaram Project irregularities: Justice Ghose Commission submits report to Telangana govt

Hyderabad: The much-anticipated report on alleged irregularities in the execution of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project has finally been submitted to the Telangana government on Thursday.

The one-man judicial commission led by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose submitted its findings, bringing a crucial phase of the probe to a close.

Report submitted to government

Justice Ghose handed over the report to Irrigation Department Secretary Rahul Bojja, who in turn forwarded it to Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao. The report will be placed before the State Cabinet in its upcoming meeting, where the government is expected to decide on the next course of action.

Scope of the Inquiry

Constituted on March 14, 2024, the Commission was tasked with probing allegations of irregularities in the planning, design, construction, quality control, operation, and maintenance of the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages—key components of the Kaleshwaram mega project initiated by the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government.

The inquiry gained momentum after structural failures were reported at the Medigadda Barrage in October 2023, when several piers collapsed. The Congress-led government, which assumed office in December 2024, ordered a probe through the Vigilance Department and also sought a technical evaluation by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA).

Summons issued to KCR, former ministers

The term of the Commission has been extended seven times since its formation, with the latest extension running until July 31. During this period, the Commission summoned several key figures, including BRS chief and former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR), and former ministers T Harish Rao and Eatala Rajender.

KCR deposed before the Commission on June 11, reportedly defending the redesign and re-engineering decisions related to the project. He also submitted a report outlining the project’s strategic importance and justifying the changes made during its implementation.

Political firestorm over probe

While the Congress government has maintained that the judicial probe is necessary to ensure accountability, the BRS has strongly denied allegations of corruption, dismissing the investigation as a political witch-hunt aimed at discrediting its leadership.

Over 115 witnesses examined

Over the last 15 months, the Ghose Commission examined more than 115 witnesses, including engineers and serving and retired officials who were associated with the planning and execution of the barrages.

With the submission of the report, attention now shifts to the Telangana Cabinet, which is expected to deliberate on the findings and consider possible legal or administrative action based on the Commission’s recommendations.