Hyderabad: The Justice PC Ghose Commission, investigating alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) during the tenure of the previous BRS government, questioned senior Telangana IAS officers Somesh Kumar and Smita Sabharwal on Thursday, December 19. Both officers reportedly failed to provide clarity on key decisions made by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) regarding the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages, citing limited awareness of the CMO’s actions.
Smita Sabharwal, who served as Additional Secretary to then-Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, and Somesh Kumar, who held additional charge as Principal Secretary (Irrigation) from May to August 2019, were queried on their roles in the project’s execution. According to sources, Somesh Kumar could not recall the inauguration date of the Medigadda barrage, held on June 21, 2019.
ALSO READ: With Strong Ties to All Political Parties, Megha Engineering Bags Major Projects
The commission, according to the source, expressed dissatisfaction with the responses, particularly as both officials distanced themselves from major decisions taken by the CMO. Somesh Kumar acknowledged clearing certain files based on information from irrigation department officials but denied involvement in financial matters.
The inquiry follows the collapse of six piers of the Medigadda barrage, a key component of KLIP, in October 2023. The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) attributed the structural failure to deficiencies in planning, design, quality control, and maintenance.
READ MORE: RTV’s investigation leads CBI to uncover Megha Engineering’s involvement in fake bank guarantee scam
During questioning, Smita Sabharwal claimed ignorance regarding administrative sanctions for funds and direct approvals issued by the CMO without Cabinet clearance, sources reported.
Earlier, on December 18, former Chief Secretary and Special Chief Secretary (Irrigation) SK Joshi testified before the commission. He reportedly stated that no single-recorded official approval was granted for the project, as approximately 200 separate approvals were issued for various components.
ALSO READ: Euro Exim Bank Decoded