Telangana govt allows one-time relaxation of consent rule for CBI inquiry into Kaleshwaram row

Hyderabad: In a significant move, the Telangana government has permitted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP).

The decision comes after the PC Ghose Commission highlighted serious lapses in the execution of the multi-crore project.

One-time relaxation of consent rule

The State Home Department issued a special Government Order (GO) granting a one-time relaxation to the 2022 decision that had withdrawn the CBI’s general consent in Telangana.

This enables the Central agency to investigate alleged irregularities, misuse of funds and corrupt practices in the construction of the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages.

CM’s announcement in Assembly

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced the move on Monday during an Assembly debate on the Ghose Commission report. He said the Congress government decided to hand over the case to the CBI in view of the gravity of the findings.

Dam safety authority’s red flag

The GO also refers to the National Dam Safety Authority’s (NDSA) interim and final reports on the sinking of six piers at Medigadda in October 2023.

The NDSA attributed the structural failure to multiple factors, including poor planning, faulty design, weak quality control and construction deficiencies.

Ghose Commission findings

Appointed in March 2024, the Ghose Commission submitted its report on July 31.

The report, tabled in the Assembly on August 31, pointed to several lapses and irregularities warranting criminal action.

Legislators, during the debate, endorsed the need for an impartial and thorough investigation.

Complex case needs Central probe

The government order noted that the project’s magnitude, inter-state implications and the involvement of Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) in design and execution added to the complexity. In view of these factors, the State found it appropriate to entrust the probe to the CBI.

Background

The previous BRS government had withdrawn the CBI’s general consent in August 2022, limiting its role in Telangana. The current relaxation marks a policy shift, paving the way for the central agency to scrutinise one of the most controversial irrigation projects in the State.