Will bring Kaleshwaram back into use: CM Revanth Reddy
Upset over 25 years delay, CM Revanth announces to release money for Devadula project
By Newsmeter Network
CM Revanth Reddy wows to complete every pending project on Godavari
Mulugu: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said every pending project on the Godavari river will be completed by the Congress government. Addressing a review meeting on the Devadula project, the Chief Minister assured that all projects from the Tummidihatti barrage to Bhadrachalam will be completed.
On Kaleshwaram, he said it is not private property. "It belongs to the people. We will bring Kaleshwaram back into use," he said in no uncertain terms.
Prioritizing Kaleshwaram
Reiterating that the government will not abandon the Kaleshwaram project, CM Revanth Reddy noted that Telangana achieved top status in paddy production over the last two years without utilising water from the project.
He clarified that the current administration is not criticising the construction of the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages themselves, but is focused on safety and accountability.
Expert Oversight: Agencies are currently examining geological changes at the barrage sites.
Future-Proofing: An expert committee has been constituted to prevent future damage and ensure the structural integrity of the project before it is fully reactivated.
The structural failure at the Kaleshwaram project at the Medigadda barrage occurred in November 2023, leading to visible cracks in piers.
85 gates had to be opened to dewater to inspect the damageby state government engineers.
Focus on Devadula and Godavari Basin
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy was upset at the 25-year delay in the Devadula project, for which the foundation was laid in 2001. Despite the state’s staggering debt of ₹8.11 lakh crore, the CM pledged to release funds immediately to complete the work.
He noted that project estimations have escalated significantly, rising from an initial ₹6,000 crore to ₹18,500 crore.
Inter-State Diplomacy and Legal Resolve
On the issue of river water sharing with neighboring states, the Chief Minister adopted a "dialogue first" approach but maintained a firm stance on state interests:
Dialogue: The government is ready for discussions with neighbouring states to resolve disputes over the Krishna and Godavari rivers.
Legal Action: "If issues are not resolved through talks, we are ready to knock on the doors of the courts to protect Telangana's interests," the CM asserted.
Diversion Plans: He also noted the feasibility of lifting Godavari water to the Krishna catchment area to optimize resources.
Countering Opposition "Propaganda"
CM Revanth Reddy launched a scathing attack on the BRS, accusing the previous government of neglecting vital projects like Pranahita, Sriram Sagar Project, nd Devadula during their 10-year tenure. He claimed that if those projects had been completed, Telangana could have utilized 967 TMC of water.
He dismissed allegations from the opposition regarding cooperation with Andhra Pradesh as "cheap accusations," questioning why any Telangana representative would compromise the state's water rights.
A Vision for 2034
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy challenged the opposition to come up with constructive suggestions for the state's development and offered to rectify any mistakes made during his two-year governance.
"Our goal is to provide irrigation water to every acre of land and drinking water to every citizen," he said, confidently stating that the Congress party would remain in power until 2034.
