The judicial commission, led by former Supreme Court judge Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose, submitted its detailed 500-page report to the state government on 31 July 2025.
Published Aug 03, 2025 | 11:23 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 03, 2025 | 11:23 AM
File photo of the Kaleshwaram project. (Supplied)
Synopsis: The Telangana government is moving quickly to take action on the Justice PC Ghose Commission’s report on irregularities that occurred during the construction of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme. The Telangana Cabinet will review the report and decide on the steps to address the issues it has raised.
The Telangana government is moving quickly to take action on the Justice PC Ghose Commission’s report on irregularities that occurred during the construction of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, a major infrastructure project spearheaded by the previous BRS administration.
The Telangana Cabinet will review the report and decide on the steps to address the issues it has raised. The speed with which the government is responding suggests its intent to hold accountable all those involved in what has been described as a major scam.
Ahead of the Cabinet’s meeting, Telangana Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy is expected to meet the high-power committee, tasked with condensing the report into a summary, on Sunday, 3 August.
This summary will be presented to the government to facilitate the Cabinet’s discussions and decision-making process.
The judicial commission, led by former Supreme Court judge Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose, submitted its detailed 500-page report to the state government on 31 July 2025.
The high-power committee has already conducted several closed-door meetings over the weekend to review the extensive report and draft a concise summary, shedding light on key issues such as financial mismanagement, procedural irregularities, and engineering shortcomings in the Kaleshwaram project.
The Justice PC Ghose Commission was formed to investigate allegations of corruption and irregularities in the construction of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, with a particular focus on the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages, which experienced structural failures, including the sinking of piers at Medigadda in October 2023.
The commission’s scope included analysing cost overruns, contract awards, and adherence to environmental and technical regulations.
The summary being prepared by the expert committee will focus on the project’s cost escalation, which soared from an initial estimate of ₹81,000 crore to over ₹1.5 lakh crore.
The committee also examined evidence of alleged mismanagement under the previous BRS government, which could carry significant political consequences for the party, currently in Opposition.
The cabinet, convening on Monday, is expected to play a critical role in determining the state’s next steps. It will evaluate the committee’s summary and discuss the commission’s recommendations, which could involve pursuing legal action against those responsible for the irregularities, redesigning project components, and addressing accountability for financial losses.
Sources indicate that the cabinet will assess whether it is practical to carry out repairs for the damaged barrages and explore avenues for recovering funds lost due to mismanagement.
The government is also likely to consider releasing parts of the report to the public to promote transparency, while keeping sensitive details confidential until legal proceedings are underway.
The Kaleshwaram project, one of the world’s largest lift irrigation schemes, was a cornerstone initiative of the BRS government, intended to irrigate millions of acres across Telangana.
However, structural issues and corruption allegations have overshadowed its legacy, leading the Congress-led government to focus on accountability.
The Justice PC Ghose Commission report has fueled widespread speculation about the Cabinet’s upcoming decisions. The Opposition BRS has accused the Congress government of leveraging the commission for political purposes, while the ruling party maintains that the investigation is vital for rebuilding public confidence.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has previously stated that the government’s actions will be guided by the commission’s findings and the need to protect Telangana’s interests.
“The Kaleshwaram project was intended to be a lifeline for our farmers, but it has become a symbol of mismanagement. We will take decisive steps based on the report to correct past errors and deliver justice,” he said recently during a press conference.
The Cabinet’s decisions are expected to pave the way for further investigation, potential legal proceedings, and a thorough review of the Kaleshwaram project’s future. The government may also form a technical committee to oversee repairs and ensure the project’s long-term sustainability.
The Justice PC Ghose Commission report is widely regarded as a pivotal moment in Telangana’s political and developmental landscape, setting standards for accountability in infrastructure development.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
