Telangana Irrigation Project Sparks Political Row Over Drought and Safety

The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme, a major project in Telangana, has become the latest flashpoint between the ruling Congress party and the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). The dispute centres on whether to operate the project amid drought concerns or to keep it shut due to reported structural safety issues.

BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) has demanded that the Congress government immediately begin lifting water from the Godavari river using the Kannepalli Pump House. He warned that 26 of Telangana’s 33 districts face drought-like conditions due to insufficient rainfall and El Nino effects, and that the government's inaction is worsening the situation.

On Sunday, KTR’s convoy was stopped by police in Jangaon district while he was heading to inspect the pump house. He got down on the highway, questioned the police action, and accused the government of stifling dissent. After a confrontation, only KTR’s vehicle was allowed to proceed; other party leaders were halted.

KTR alleged that the Congress government is deliberately keeping the project idle to discredit former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao. He said the project is a boon but is being treated as a curse. He threatened a mass protest if the pumps are not started soon.

The Congress government, however, has rejected these allegations. Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) has identified serious structural deficiencies in the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages. He stated that operating the barrages without scientific restoration would risk public safety, and that the government will not compromise on safety.

Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy added that the BRS had built the project with corruption in mind, and questioned why extensive repairs are needed if construction was proper. He accused the BRS of trying to divert attention from allegations of poor work.

The Kaleshwaram project has been a political battleground since structural distress was reported at the Medigadda barrage in 2023. During the assembly election campaign, the Congress promised a judicial probe into alleged corruption and technical failures. The BRS denies any wrongdoing and maintains the project can be quickly restored.