PNS|Hyderabad
BRS supremo K. Chandrasekhar Rao appeared before the Justice PC Ghose-led Kaleshwaram Inquiry Commission on Wednesday, and was questioned over various aspects of the project’s execution and planning. KCR was examined as the 115th witness and was interrogated for around 50 minutes.
Sources said the Commission put 18 questions to KCR, focusing on the key decisions taken during the planning and execution of the Kaleshwaram Project, including the reengineering, barrage construction and fund mobilisation.
KCR reportedly clarified that the decision to construct the barrages was approved by the Cabinet and executed with full governmental sanction.
He said that the reengineering aspect of the project was undertaken based on expert recommendations, particularly from WAPCOS, a technical consultancy hired by the government. All necessary permissions were obtained, he supposedly affirmed.
The Commission also sought details about the formation of the Kaleshwaram Corporation. KCR explained that the Corporation was established specifically to streamline fund mobilisation in the newly formed state and to speed up the completion of the massive irrigation project.
On questions about the change in the location and design of the barrages, KCR categorised them as technical matters, handled by engineers based on water availability and topography.
He reiterated that water storage levels at the barrages were managed by engineers depending on seasonal conditions and river inflows. KCR handed over important documents to the Commission, including GO No: 45 and the Operations and Maintenance Manual of the project. He also submitted a detailed book compiling all relevant information about the Kaleshwaram Project.
KCR submitted a comprehensive written report and a PowerPoint presentation to the Commission, covering the technical, financial, and administrative details of the irrigation project.
Sources said he responded to every question put by the Commission with supporting documentation and detailed explanations.
The session was held at the BRKR Bhavan, where KCR arrived punctually at 11 am after departing from his farmhouse in Erravalli at around 9:30 am.
The former Chief Minister, accompanied by senior BRS leaders Harish Rao, Vemula Prashanth Reddy, Palla Rajeshwar Reddy, Padma Rao Goud, B. Laxma Reddy, MP Vaddiraju Ravichandra, Mahamood Ali, RS Praveen Kumar, and MLC Madhusudhana Chary, entered the premises amid tight security.
After deposing, KCR immediately got into his vehicle without addressing the media. Supporters gathered outside BRKR Bhavan, raising loud slogans of “Jai KCR” and “Jai Telangana” as the BRS chief waved in acknowledgement. Harish Rao was seen leaving the premises in the same vehicle as KCR.
KCR’s appearance marks a significant moment in the Commission’s inquiry into the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, which came under scrutiny over alleged irregularities. The BRS leadership has maintained that the project was executed with Cabinet approval and in the best interests of Telangana.
