The Justice PC Ghosh Commission has conducted an inquiry into alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Project, focusing on the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages. Chief Engineer Sridevi was questioned regarding her compliance with an affidavit she submitted. During the session, her responses to various points raised in the affidavit prompted significant discussion.
The commission posed a series of questions that highlighted inconsistencies in Sridevi’s answers. She admitted to not conducting tests on certain occasions, stating that previous tests had been performed. When asked about her responsibilities as Chief Engineer of the State Dam Safety Organization, she struggled to provide clear answers. Additionally, she was unable to address questions regarding the IS Code and its implementation.
The commission expressed frustration at Sridevi’s lack of knowledge regarding key issues. When asked about the occurrence of floods in the Kaleshwaram Project, she stated she did not know, incorrectly claiming that 3D model studies were conducted on the barrages in 2020. Further questioning about the Telangana Engineering Research Lab’s activities in 2023 revealed her ignorance, shocking commission officials.
Simultaneously, Promila, Chief Engineer of the SDS, was questioned. She emphasized that the project authority is responsible for the dam’s protection measures. The commission inquired about actions taken under Clause 46 of the Dam Safety Act related to the Kaleshwaram barrages. Promila struggled to provide satisfactory responses regarding gate manuals and operation and maintenance protocols, indicating significant gaps in her knowledge.
The commission also addressed Executive Engineer Vijayalakshmi, who acknowledged the failure to conduct necessary inspections and submit reports before and after the monsoon season. She explained that the Dam Safety Review Panel, led by AB Pandya, had examined the barrages and recommended establishing an independent committee to investigate the causes of reported failures.
Research engineers from TSERL informed the commission that construction began without completing necessary sample studies, attributing the collapse of the Medigadda barrage to inadequate water retention. They explained that the failure to raise the gates during floods resulted in increased water pressure on the barrage, causing it to slip from its sandy foundation. An additional eight engineers are scheduled to be interrogated by the commission on Saturday.