Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project
The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) in Telangana, once hailed as a revolutionary initiative for water management, is now embroiled in controversy. The National Dam Safety Authority’s (NDSA) recent report has revealed alarming structural issues within the project, leading to intense political disputes and raising concerns about its viability.
Kaleshwaram Project
KLIP is designed to be one of the largest lift irrigation schemes globally. It aims to draw water from the Godavari River to irrigate over 1.8 million acres. The project includes three major barrages – Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla. These structures were intended to support irrigation, drinking water supply, and industrial usage across northern Telangana.
NDSA Findings
The NDSA’s comprehensive report marks severe structural damage, particularly to the Medigadda barrage. Key findings include the sinking and cracking of piers, and issues like sand piping and cavity formation. The report calls for immediate decommissioning of the damaged block and extensive rehabilitation plans for all barrages.
Causes of Structural Issues
The report identifies several critical flaws. Design and construction deviated from approved standards. Essential geotechnical investigations were either inadequate or overlooked. Safety protocols were ignored, leading to a lack of maintenance and monitoring. The barrages were also constructed prematurely, before regulatory approval was granted.
Financial Implications
The project’s initial cost was estimated at ₹82,000 crore, but it has escalated to over ₹1.47 lakh crore. Telangana is now burdened with annual repayments of ₹16,000 crore, straining state finances. This financial overreach raises questions about the project’s economic viability.
Political Repercussions
The NDSA report has ignited a political firestorm. Telangana’s Irrigation Minister has condemned KLIP as a catastrophic failure, attributing blame to the previous government for mismanagement. In contrast, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has dismissed the report as politically motivated, arguing that it lacks credibility due to insufficient on-site inspections.
Broader Implications
The Kaleshwaram crisis serves as a cautionary example of the risks associated with large-scale infrastructure projects lacking rigorous scientific and regulatory oversight. It has reignited debates about transparency and accountability in public projects, as well as the actual benefits of mega irrigation schemes in India.
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