What is Telangana’s Kaleshwaram project, pg 10

Key Highlights:

• Project Overview:
  • A multi-purpose irrigation and drinking water supply initiative located on the Godavari River in Telangana.
  • Conceived as the world’s largest multi-stage lift irrigation system, integrating massive pumping infrastructure, reservoirs, and an 1,800+ km canal network.
  • Draws and lifts water from the Godavari at the confluence with the Pranahita River.
  • Objectives include expanding irrigation to over 16 lakh acres in 13 districts, stabilising existing ayacut, supplying 30 TMC ft of drinking water to Hyderabad, providing water for industrial use, and delivering potable water to rural habitations along its route.
• Infrastructure: Barrages at Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla; over 1,800 km canal network; designed storage of 240 TMC ft.
• Cost Escalation: Initial cost of ₹71,000 crore rose to over ₹1 lakh crore.
• Controversies:
  • Shift of location from Tummidihatti to Medigadda despite earlier hydrology clearance.
  • Allegations of constructing barrages on permeable foundations.
  • Structural damages within three years of inauguration.
• Judicial Inquiry: One-man commission headed by Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose examined over 110 witnesses, including former CM and ministers.
• Political Reactions: Congress-led government pushing for legislative discussion; BRS defending project citing statutory approvals.

Detailed Insights:

• Engineering and Planning Concerns:
  • Location shift undermined earlier investments in Pranahita Chevella Sujala Sravanti (PCSS) project.
  • Ignoring technical advice on water impounding led to cracks and sinking piers.
  • Choice of foundation type raised questions about long-term durability.
• Governance and Decision-Making:
  • Allegations of unilateral decision-making without State Cabinet approval.
  • Need for transparent project clearance processes and documentation.
• Economic Implications:
  • Large-scale cost escalation impacts State’s fiscal health.
  • Structural failures imply additional repair and maintenance costs.
• Institutional Oversight:
  • Judicial commission’s findings likely to influence future infrastructure governance norms.
  • Highlights importance of pre-project environmental, technical, and economic feasibility studies.

Concepts Involved:

• Lift Irrigation Project: System that lifts water from lower to higher elevations for irrigation using pumps.
• Hydrology Clearance: Technical approval assessing water availability and sustainability.
• Judicial Commission of Inquiry: Statutory body appointed to investigate matters of public importance.