Hyderabad: The Justice PC Ghose Commission, set up to investigate the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, conducted a public hearing on Saturday. Chief Engineer Sudhakar Reddy appeared before the commission, which focused on the tendering process for key components of the project, including Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages. Reddy admitted that a substantial completion certificate for Medigadda barrage was issued without necessary inspections and confirmed that funds were allocated for the cofferdam per the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
Harish Rao’s Role Under Scrutiny
During the hearing, former Minister Harish Rao’s name came up three times. When asked by the commission who served as the irrigation minister during the project’s tendering phase, Reddy identified Harish Rao. The commission questioned whether tendering processes took place under his leadership, to which Reddy responded that no formal tendering had occurred.
Billing Delays Examined
The commission also raised questions regarding delayed final billing for the Sundilla, Annaram, and Medigadda barrages. Reddy explained that while Sundilla and Annaram’s final bills were submitted, Medigadda’s are still pending. Additionally, he noted that Kaleshwaram Corporation, lacking revenue, faced challenges in assessing flood velocity, which contributed to structural damage to barrage blocks.
Prior Testimony Highlights KCR’s Direct Involvement
The inquiry follows statements from former Engineer-in-Chief Nalla Venkateshwarlu, who, in a previous session, claimed that then-Chief Minister KCR personally authorized the construction of Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages and approved the DPR prepared by WAPCOS. Venkateshwarlu alleged that KCR, serving as Chief Minister, signed off on these projects and directed changes to the construction sites for Annaram and Sundilla.