Hyderabad: The Telangana government, led by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, has decided to intensify its efforts to press for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the Kaleshwaram project. This decision follows legal advice indicating that there are no legal impediments preventing the CBI from undertaking an investigation.
High-Level Meeting and Legal Consultation
On Monday, Revanth held a high-level meeting with Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, top officials, and legal experts. He also consulted Supreme Court advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi. Acting on the advice of legal experts, the Chief Minister directed officials to write a letter to the CBI requesting an immediate inquiry into matters related to the project. Officials and ministers were also instructed to seek an appointment with the CBI Director.
Legal Clarifications and Previous Reports
The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) stated, "Legal experts clarified that the High Court did not find fault with the establishment of the PC Ghose Commission, nor did it invalidate the report submitted by the commission. They affirmed that all these remain valid." Earlier, Revanth reminded that multiple reports, including those by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), vigilance authorities, and the Justice Ghose Commission, pointed to alleged flaws in design and quality of the Kaleshwaram project.
The government's renewed push for a CBI probe comes amid ongoing political debates over the project's execution and alleged irregularities. The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, one of the world's largest multi-stage lift irrigation schemes, has been a subject of controversy, with opposition parties demanding a thorough investigation.
