Kaleshwaram project probe: KCR asks for more time, appearance rescheduled for June 11

Hyderabad: The commission probing the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) has postponed the scheduled appearance of former chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR).

Originally slated to depose on June 5, KCR will now appear before the commission on June 11, following a formal request made by him.

Apart from KCR, the commission has also directed former minister and BRS MLA T Harish Rao on June 6, and former health minister and BJP MP Eatala Rajender on June 9.

Why is the Kaleshwaram project being investigated?

This key development is regarding the Kaleshwaram commission, which was constituted to examine allegations of irregularities, cost escalations and design flaws in the multi-crore irrigation project. It is being chaired by Justice PC Ghose, a former Supreme Court judge.

The commission’s mandate includes reviewing administrative decisions, project execution methods, and financial management practices that governed the Kaleshwaram project, widely regarded as one of India’s largest and most ambitious lift irrigation schemes.

KCR, who spearheaded the project during his tenure as the chief minister, is a central figure in the inquiry. His government had promoted the Kaleshwaram project as a transformative solution to Telangana’s irrigation needs, but the project has since come under intense scrutiny over alleged engineering failures and financial mismanagement.

Sources indicate that KCR sought additional time to prepare for his appearance before the commission, prompting officials to revise the date in the interest of fairness and due process.

Focus on the structural integrity of project’s infrastructure

The former chief minister is expected to provide detailed responses regarding project approvals, cost revisions and the rationale behind key engineering and administrative decisions taken under his leadership.

The commission’s hearings have gained significant public and political attention, especially in light of the reported submergence of pump houses during floods and questions raised over the structural integrity of the infrastructure.

With KCR’s appearance now scheduled for June 11, the coming week is expected to be crucial for the investigation, potentially shaping the commission's findings and the broader public discourse surrounding the project.