PNS|Hyderabad
The National Dam Safety Authority’s (NDSA) report on the Kaleshwaram Project is a direct indictment of the BRS government, exposing serious flaws in its design, construction, and maintenance, Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said.
Addressing the media during the Bharat Summit 2025 at the HICC on Friday, Uttam launched a blistering attack on the BRS leadership, stating, “BRS leaders should have some shame. The NDSA report clearly stated that the design was faulty, the construction was faulty, and the operation and maintenance were faulty. Soil testing was not done properly, and no proper geophysical investigations were conducted.”
Highlighting the report’s findings, he pointed out that the sand piping phenomenon, cavity formation underneath the raft, construction defects, design deficiencies, structural distress, and other downstream damage had rendered Block-7 of the Medigadda Barrage unserviceable.
He added that the NDSA committee noted similar issues in other blocks as well, based on geophysical investigations that revealed cavity formation under many sections of the barrage.
Uttam accused the BRS government of mortgaging Telangana’s future by borrowing over Rs 1 lakh crore at high interest rates to build a project that failed during their term itself.
“You claimed you were creating wonders with Kaleshwaram. But you designed it, you built it, and it collapsed during your rule,” he said.
He said that the other barrages – Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla – were barely functional, even though the BRS government had projected the project as a monumental success. “Despite these structures being non-functional, Telangana achieved a record paddy harvest during Vanakalam. That was due to the resilience of our farmers, not because of your failed projects,” he said.
Uttam said that BRS leaders were misleading the public and attempting to survive on “lies and mistakes.”
“The BRS wants to deceive farmers again. But that will not work anymore. They betrayed the very people they claimed to serve,” he said
Countering allegations that the NDSA report was politically driven, Uttam clarified that the NDSA is a Central agency comprising the country’s top dam safety experts.
“The NDSA was constituted when the BRS was in power. Neither Chief Minister Revanth Reddy nor I appointed it. It is a national body. You should be ashamed that your project was indicted by an organisation set up during your rule,” he said.
Demanding a public apology from BRS leaders to the farmers of Telangana, Uttam announced that the Congress Government would thoroughly study the NDSA’s findings and hold a detailed discussion in the next Cabinet meeting.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to accountability, he declared, “Those who constructed this project and those who enabled its flaws have committed a grave betrayal of Telangana’s farmers. We will ensure they are held accountable. This betrayal will not go unpunished.”
Uttam described the Bharat Summit 2025, currently underway in Hyderabad, as a historic event showcasing Telangana’s leadership in promoting social justice and progressive values.
He said the summit had brought together around 450 foreign delegates from over 100 countries, representing prominent left-liberal and progressive parties worldwide.
“This summit is focused on addressing various forms of justice – social, economic, environmental – and the larger theme is delivering global justice,” he said.
Uttam said that he is happy that the event is being held in Hyderabad, stating, “It is a moment of honour for Telangana. We have an opportunity to present our state as a model of inclusive governance and social harmony. I am confident that the deliberations will result in a meaningful resolution endorsed by all participating parties.”
Uttam strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, terming it a cowardly attempt to disrupt peace and communal harmony.
Recalling his service as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force, Uttam said, “I served at the Avantipur Air Force Station near Srinagar and in Leh in Ladakh, and was part of air defence operations on the Siachen Glacier. I understand the ground realities. This attack was carried out to damage Kashmir’s economy, create unrest, and damage our country.”
He praised the Muslim community of Kashmir for standing ‘united’ against terrorism. “I appreciate the Kashmiri Muslims who, in one united voice, condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam,” he said.
Calling for strong action, Uttam added, “Those responsible for this act, and those who supported it directly or indirectly, must be punished. This is not just an attack on a region, it is an attack on India’s unity.”
He said that the Congress Working Committee (CWC) had passed a resolution condemning the attack and reaffirming the call for national unity.
“India must stand united. This is not the time for disunity but for solidarity,” Uttam said.
