What Additional Information Did BRS Leader Harish Rao Provide to the Ghose Commission?
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Synopsis
In a significant development, BRS leader T. Harish Rao met with the P. C. Ghose Commission, offering crucial insights into the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project. This meeting is part of the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities and sheds light on the decision-making processes within the BRS government.
Key Takeaways
- Harish Rao met with the Ghose Commission to provide information on the Kaleshwaram project.
- Decisions regarding the project were made multiple times in the state cabinet.
- All relevant documents are held by the government.
- The Commission is investigating significant allegations of irregularities.
- Rao's insights are a crucial part of the ongoing inquiry.
Hyderabad, July 11 (NationPress) Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader T. Harish Rao met with the P. C. Ghose Commission on Friday, which is investigating the alleged discrepancies in the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project developed during the tenure of the BRS. He provided further details pertinent to the inquiry.
After the meeting, the former minister addressed reporters, stating that he had shared all relevant information with the Commission.
He mentioned that decisions concerning the barrage were made six times in the cabinet and received Assembly approval three times.
"I have submitted a comprehensive report to the Commission, including all available information," he expressed.
Rao noted that all documentation related to the project is held by the government. He had previously reached out to the Chief Secretary, Irrigation Secretary, and other officials for information regarding the Cabinet's decisions, but did not receive any replies.
"We compiled every piece of information we could gather and presented it in a note to the Commission," he stated.
According to his information, the State Cabinet made decisions six times about the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages. The Commission received documentation regarding these Cabinet decisions.
He emphasized that the Assembly's approval for the construction of these barrages holds greater significance than the Cabinet's approval.
Rao expressed uncertainty about whether the government had provided the necessary details.
On Thursday, the former minister requested an appointment with the Commission to furnish additional information.
Although the Commission granted him an appointment, he was unable to attend because BRS president and former chief minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) required hospitalization.
The Commission, led by retired Supreme Court Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose, is investigating alleged irregularities in the planning, design, construction, quality control, operation, and maintenance of the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla Barrages associated with the Kaleshwaram project.
This one-man Commission was established in March 2024, following the collapse of some piers at the Medigadda Barrage.
Rao, who served as both irrigation and finance minister during BRS governance, appeared before the Commission on June 9.
During his 40-minute examination, he explained the reasons behind the project's redesign.
He indicated that the redesign was necessitated by objections from Maharashtra and the Central Water Commission (CWC).
He elaborated that due to water availability challenges at Thummidihatti, the project site was relocated to Medigadda after conducting thorough surveys.
Rao held the irrigation minister position from 2014 to 2018 when the lift irrigation project was constructed across the Godavari River by the BRS government.
KCR also testified before the Commission on June 11.
Point of View
It is crucial to assess their statements critically, ensuring that the inquiry leads to a comprehensive understanding of the project’s execution and any irregularities that may have occurred.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project?
The Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project is a significant water management initiative aimed at enhancing irrigation and water supply in the region, developed during the BRS government's tenure.
Who is P. C. Ghose?
P. C. Ghose is a retired Supreme Court judge appointed to lead the commission investigating alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project.
Why was T. Harish Rao summoned by the Commission?
T. Harish Rao was summoned to provide additional information regarding the decisions and processes involved in the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project.
What are the key allegations against the Kaleshwaram project?
The Commission is investigating alleged irregularities related to planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the project's barrages.
What happened to the Medigadda Barrage?
Some piers of the Medigadda Barrage collapsed, prompting the formation of the Commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.
