Telangana: Uttam Kumar Reddy Slams Kaleshwaram Project, Calls It a ₹87,449 Crore Failure

Telangana Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy Kaleshwaram comments in the Legislative Assembly have reignited the debate over one of the most ambitious and expensive irrigation projects in the state. According to the minister, the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, which was once hailed as a lifeline for Telangana farmers, has turned into a “monumental failure” due to mismanagement, structural collapse, and lack of accountability.

Massive Investment, Disappointing Results

Highlighting the expenditure, Uttam Kumar Reddy Kaleshwaram criticism pointed out that ₹87,449 crore was poured into the project, but the outcomes have been disappointing. Despite the enormous cost, water availability and ayacut creation have not met expectations. The project was initially launched with the promise of transforming agriculture in the region, but the minister claims it has instead burdened the state exchequer without delivering lasting benefits to farmers.

He alleged that the project was taken up without Cabinet approval, bypassing crucial checks and balances. According to him, this lack of due process is one of the major reasons why Telangana today is facing both financial stress and infrastructural setbacks.

Collapse of Medigadda Barrage

One of the key points raised by Uttam Kumar Reddy Kaleshwaram statement was the collapse of the Medigadda Barrage on October 21, 2023. Six pillars of the barrage gave way, rendering it non-functional. This collapse, he said, symbolized the poor planning and execution of the entire project. Along with Medigadda, the Sundilla and Annaram barrages have also remained unused for nearly 20 months, leaving thousands of acres of land without irrigation support.

The minister emphasized that structural problems began surfacing as early as 2019, yet the then BRS government ignored red flags. He accused them of rushing the project for political gains instead of ensuring long-term sustainability.

Blame on Previous BRS Government

Uttam Kumar Reddy Kaleshwaram attack on the BRS government extended beyond the Kaleshwaram project itself. He said that the previous regime had deliberately sidelined several irrigation projects initiated by the Congress government during the tenure of Y. S. Rajasekhar Reddy in undivided Andhra Pradesh. These schemes, if completed on time, would have provided reliable water supply to lakhs of farmers at a much lower cost.

According to him, the BRS government’s negligence has not only wasted public money but also destroyed the faith of farmers who were promised prosperity.

Congress Government’s Plans for Irrigation

In contrast, Uttam Kumar Reddy Kaleshwaram remarks highlighted that the current Congress government is committed to reviving and completing pending irrigation projects. He assured the Assembly that farmers will no longer suffer due to incomplete schemes and faulty planning.

The Rajiv Shanthi Nagar Lift Irrigation Scheme (LIS) at Kodad, which had fallen into disrepair, has already been revived with a budget of ₹54.03 crore. This project will benefit 2,138 farmers and bring irrigation to nearly 5,000 acres.

Additionally, a new lift irrigation scheme is being planned in Mothe mandal of Kodad constituency to provide water to another 4,000 acres. The Nakkalagudem LIS, Muthyala Branch LIS, and Rajiv Gandhi LIS will also be completed soon, ensuring every acre of cultivable land in Chinthalapalem mandal of Suryapet district gets adequate water.

Strengthening Irrigation Infrastructure

To further improve administration, Uttam Kumar Reddy Kaleshwaram announcement included the laying of the foundation stone for a new irrigation department division office in Kodad. Built at a cost of ₹5.1 crore, this office is expected to make project monitoring and execution more effective in the region.

The minister stressed that unlike the BRS government, which focused on flashy projects, the Congress government is focusing on practical solutions that directly benefit farmers on the ground.

Political and Economic Implications

The debate over the Kaleshwaram Project has political as well as economic implications. On one hand, it showcases the alleged failures of the BRS government, while on the other, it provides the Congress government an opportunity to position itself as the savior of Telangana’s farmers. Uttam Kumar Reddy Kaleshwaram statements are likely to set the tone for political discourse in the coming months, especially with irrigation and farmer welfare being central issues in state politics.

FAQs on Uttam Kumar Reddy Kaleshwaram

Conclusion

By repeatedly stressing on accountability, sustainability, and completion of pending projects, Uttam Kumar Reddy Kaleshwaram position reflects the Congress government’s attempt to restore faith in Telangana’s irrigation policies. The collapse of Kaleshwaram may have been a setback, but the new announcements suggest that the government is aiming to turn the crisis into an opportunity for long-term agricultural development.

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