Ghose Commission findings: Telangana Cabinet likely to order ACB or CID probe into KLIS irregularities

Hyderabad: Telangana Cabinet is expected to order criminal or departmental action against those found responsible for irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS).

The Cabinet, which will be chaired by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, is likely to initiate criminal or departmental action against those found responsible, based on the findings of the Justice PC Ghose Commission.

Justice PC Ghose Commission submits findings

After a 15-month-long inquiry into the structural failures of the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages, Justice PC Ghose submitted a 650-page report to the Telangana government on July 31.

The report, which was officially handed over to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Friday, details lapses and possible violations during the implementation of the Rs 1 lakh crore Kaleshwaram project.

High-Level committee reviews report

Following receipt of the commission’s findings, the state government formed a high-level committee comprising senior officials from the Irrigation, Law, and General Administration departments.

This committee conducted a detailed review and prepared a summary of the report, which was submitted to the Cabinet ahead of Monday’s meeting.

Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy chaired a preparatory meeting with the committee on Sunday evening to finalise the briefing note for the Cabinet.

Possible role for ACB or CID

Sources indicate that the Cabinet may authorise the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) or the Crime Investigation Department (CID) to take up the case for further investigation, based on the commission’s recommendations.

Minister Uttam Kumar slams KLIS implementation

Speaking at public events in Peddapalli district on Sunday, Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy criticised the Kaleshwaram project, alleging that despite spending Rs 1 lakh crore, it had failed to deliver benefits to the state.

He pointed out that the Medigadda barrage had not helped irrigate even a single acre in the Manthani constituency through which the project passes.

He stated that Telangana had nevertheless recorded impressive agricultural output, proving that the state’s farming success was not dependent on Kaleshwaram.

Firm stand on Irrigation Rights

Reaffirming the government's stance, Uttam Kumar Reddy said the state remains committed to protecting its irrigation rights and will oppose any attempt to divert Godavari water outside Telangana.

The Cabinet's final decision today is expected to mark a major turning point in holding former officials accountable and in the future course of the state's irrigation strategy, he added.