Government ready for CBI probe Uttam Kumar Reddy

Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that the High Court has not given any clean chit to those responsible for alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. He said the court rejected the plea seeking to quash the Government Order related to the commission, while upholding the formation of the judicial commission. However, he clarified that recommendations of the commission have been kept in abeyance only on technical grounds related to improper notices, and this does not stop further action. The minister said the government has already decided to seek a CBI probe into the project and has written to the Centre.

He further stated that the collapse of the Medigadda barrage pier is a fact, and serious irregularities occurred in design, construction, and maintenance of the project. Uttam Kumar Reddy said nearly ₹1 lakh crore project has suffered structural failures, and no water has been supplied from it for the last two years. He added that the project is causing an annual financial burden of ₹15,000–₹20,000 crore through loans and interest. He also noted that experts from reputed institutions have raised concerns about the foundations of all three barrages, not just two pillars, and the government will decide future action after a full review of the High Court judgment.