Revanth Reddy also directed the prompt organisation of an all-party meeting to address issues related to Telangana's share of Krishna waters.
CM Revanth Reddy at a review meeting with the Irrigation Department. (X)
A high-level expert committee will be assembled to evaluate the construction quality of the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages, integral components of the multi-stage and multi-billion Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS).
During a review meeting at the state Secretariat in Hyderabad on Saturday, 27 January, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced the committee’s formation. Its primary task is to investigate the factors contributing to the sinking of the Medigadda barrage’s piers and propose remedial measures for the government’s consideration.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the state government’s response to KLIS will hinge on the findings of this expert committee. He cautioned officials against hasty decisions, urging them to delve deeply into the project to prevent a recurrence of past avoidable mistakes. The repairs to the projects will be taken up following an in-depth assessment of the damage inflicted upon the Medigadda barrage.
Revanth Reddy highlighted the significant cost borne by the state due to the previous BRS government’s mistakes. The KLIS, initially constructed at a staggering cost of ₹1.5 lakh crore, now requires repairs that could potentially amount to thousands of crores. The government is committed to undertaking these repairs, even if the bill touches ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 crore.
Expressing his desire, the Chief Minister specified that the expert committee should include members from the Central Water Commission, National Dam Safety Authority, and the state Irrigation Department. He instructed the constitution of the committee within the next three days. The committee’s responsibilities include determining whether repairing the sunken piers would suffice or if replacements are necessary.
Revanth Reddy directed the prompt organisation of an all-party meeting to address issues related to Telangana’s share of Krishna waters and the status of river projects. He requested detailed information regarding what transpired at Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) meetings and the minutes since the state’s formation in 2014.
Additionally, he sought explanations for why Telangana agreed to a 299 TMC share of Krishna water out of the total 811 TMC availability, while Andhra Pradesh was allotted a substantial 512 TMC share.
The Chief Minister also scrutinised the status of Krishna river projects amid allegations by the Opposition that the state had relinquished control to the KRMB. Officials clarified that the state’s rights had not been surrendered, and no documents supporting such claims had been signed. Revanth Reddy expressed dissatisfaction with officials for not presenting the state government’s perspective in response to opposition allegations.
May 20, 2024
May 20, 2024
May 20, 2024
May 19, 2024
May 19, 2024
May 19, 2024
