Kaleswaram commission issues notices to former CM KCR

The Justice P.C. Ghose Commission, constituted to investigate alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS), has issued formal notices to former Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), former Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao, and former Finance Minister Etala Rajendar, currently a BJP MP.

The commission is probing both financial and structural discrepancies related to the construction of the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages—key components of the ambitious KLIS project.

KCR asked to appear before June 5

According to sources, the notices were served today, requiring the three political leaders to appear for cross-examination within 15 days. KCR is scheduled to appear on June 5, Harish Rao on June 6, and Rajendar on June 9.

The inquiry centers on the subsidence of the Medigadda barrage and associated concerns at the other two barrages. These issues reportedly occurred during KCR’s second term as Chief Minister, during which he also held the irrigation portfolio. Harish Rao oversaw the Irrigation Ministry during the first BRS government, while Etala Rajendar served as Finance Minister during that period.

Billed as the world’s largest lift irrigation project, the Kaleshwaram scheme has come under increased scrutiny for alleged mismanagement, cost escalations, and engineering failures.

In 2024, activist Nagavelli Rajalingamurthy filed a private complaint alleging that the Medigadda barrage collapsed due to poor planning and construction in an unsuitable location.

Political gimmick?

The issuance of these notices has triggered political reactions across party lines. The BRS said it is a political gimmick to divert the government’s mis governance and people’s anger over failed promises.

As the Justice Ghose Commission prepares for the upcoming cross-examinations, further developments are expected in the probe.