The Telangana government is preparing to take significant action against engineers involved in the Kaleshwaram Medigadda barrage issue. Reports indicate that cases will be filed under the ACB Act against those who issued certificates claiming that work had been completed without taking on any responsibilities for the damaged barrage. The Vigilance and Enforcement department has stated that their negligence not only harmed government interests but also resulted in substantial financial losses.
In a related development, the Secretary of the Irrigation Department, Rahul Bojja, has ordered the cancellation of the certificate given to the construction firm. He directed the Chief Engineer of the Irrigation Department to submit all documents related to the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages to the Justice PC Ghosh Commission.
Although orders were issued regarding this issue in July, Rahul noted that the documents had not yet reached the Commission, prompting another memo to be issued. This memo has been sent to the O&M, Gajwel E&C, Ramagundam, CDO, and Quality Control CE departments. The Commission’s investigation revealed that some engineers acted against regulations and made decisions beyond legal frameworks. It has decided to recommend action against all involved. Justice PC Ghosh is currently conducting cross-examinations of several engineers.
Additionally, the Commission is set to question former E&Cs and senior officials by the end of September, including DEEs and AEs from the Quality Control and Construction Departments. Engineers Vishnuprasad, Ajmal Khan, Satyanarayana Goud, Oankar Singh, Karunakara, and retired engineer Satireddy Manglavaram will appear before the Commission.
### Future Actions Without Promotions
The Commission, which has already met with engineers, retired engineers, former E&Cs, and government secretaries, has collected evidence from 80 affidavits. Based on this information, a list will be prepared. However, the Commission has noted discrepancies in responses provided by some affidavits. As a result, it is considering recommending that the government file cases against all involved under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Furthermore, it is reportedly planning to take actions to prevent future promotions for these individuals.
The Commission has instructed the engineers to provide placement registers, contractor payments, and MB books detailing the work volume to reveal the role of engineers in the construction of the Kaleshwaram barrages. They have also requested clarity on how many times engineers signed off on placements in the registers concerning quality management. The Commission has decided to gather details from audit officials based on the CAG report submitted on the Kaleshwaram project.