Hyderabad: Kaleshwaram Probe: Explosive Report Lands with Govt
Commission Submits Findings
The Justice P.C. Ghose-led judicial commission, established to investigate alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, has submitted its final report to the Telangana government. The comprehensive document was handed over to Rahul Bojja, Principal Secretary of the Irrigation Department, on July 31, 2025, in a sealed cover.
Inquiry Scope and Duration
Formed on March 14, 2024, the commission conducted a 15-month probe into the construction of Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages, focusing on financial and structural anomalies. The investigation scrutinized the project’s execution, which has faced scrutiny for alleged mismanagement under the previous BRS government.
Extensive Evidence Collection
The commission examined 115 witnesses and recorded detailed testimonies to compile its findings. The 500-page final report, distilled from a 3,000-page dossier, addresses issues ranging from planning flaws to financial discrepancies.
Structural Failures Under Scrutiny
The probe was triggered by incidents such as the sinking of piers at Medigadda Barrage in October 2023, raising concerns about the project’s engineering integrity. The commission’s findings are expected to shed light on the causes of these structural failures and potential lapses in oversight.
Political and Financial Implications
With the project’s cost ballooning to an estimated ₹1.47 lakh crore, far exceeding the projected ₹81,911 crore, the report may influence upcoming Assembly discussions. The Telangana government, led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, plans to table the findings for debate, potentially shaping future policy decisions.
Awaiting Cabinet Review
The sealed report, delivered amid heightened political anticipation, is set to be reviewed in a cabinet meeting, with possible extensions to the commission’s term to finalize additional details. The findings could lead to accountability measures for those involved in the project’s execution.
Broader Context of Scrutiny
The Kaleshwaram project, a flagship initiative of the former BRS regime, has been criticized for cost overruns and inefficiencies, with a CAG audit revealing a benefit-cost ratio of just 0.52. This report may intensify calls for corrective actions and reforms in large-scale infrastructure projects.