On-Site Inspection at Medigadda Barrage
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, accompanied by Ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, and Sridhar Babu, conducted a comprehensive field inspection of the Medigadda Barrage on Monday. Alongside National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) Chairman Anil Jain, the Chief Minister closely examined the sunken pillars and technical flaws that have compromised the structure’s integrity. Following the inspection, he held a high-level review meeting with irrigation officials to discuss the current status of the barrage and the necessary steps for stabilization. During the visit, he also performed a groundbreaking ceremony for temple development works at the Kaleshwara Mukteswara Swamy temple, valued at ₹198 crore.
Allegations of Malicious Re-designing
During a subsequent media briefing, CM Revanth Reddy launched a scathing attack on the previous BRS government, labeling the Kaleshwaram project as a monument to corruption. He alleged that the original Pranahita-Chevella project, initiated during the YSR regime in 2009 with an estimated cost of ₹38,500 crore, was intentionally re-designed by KCR for personal financial gain. By shifting the project site from Tummidihatti to Medigadda, the BRS government allegedly inflated the budget to a staggering ₹1.50 lakh crore. The Chief Minister asserted that the current structural failures are a direct consequence of this re-design, which prioritized commissions over engineering viability.
Demand for Central Intervention and CBI Inquiry
Demanding immediate action from the Central Government, the Chief Minister called for a full-scale CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities and financial mismanagement of the project. He mocked BRS leaders like Harish Rao for their recent trips to Delhi, suggesting they are seeking protection from BJP leadership to avoid accountability. Reddy highlighted that the PC Ghosh Commission report has already named over 100 officials and implicated top political leaders in the scam. He expressed grave concern over the state’s financial burden, noting that Telangana is currently paying ₹16,000 crore annually in principal and interest for loans taken for this embattled project.
