The Kaleshwaram Project: A Case Study in Infrastructure, Governance, and Controversy
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Indian Geography (River Systems - Godavari, Pranahita; Major Irrigation Projects), Indian Economy (Infrastructure).
Mains:
GS Paper 1: Geographical features and their location... water-resources.
GS Paper 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors; Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability.
GS Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.; Investment models; Different types of irrigation and irrigation systems.
GS Paper 4 (Ethics): Can be used as a case study on probity in governance, accountability, and the utilization of public funds.
Key Highlights from the News
Project: The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) constructed on the Godavari river in Telangana. It is known as the world's largest multi-stage lift irrigation project.
Main Controversy: Significant controversies have arisen regarding construction flaws, massive financial losses, and procedural lapses in the project.
Structural Flaws: Within three years of its inauguration, the pillars of the Sundilla barrage, a key part of the project, submerged. Cracks were found in two other barrages. It is alleged that this was due to construction on permeable foundations.
Location Change Flaw: The controversial change in the project's location from Tummidihatti to Medigadda. The government claimed there wasn't enough water in Tummidihatti, but the Central Water Commission (CWC) rejected this claim.
Investigation: A judicial commission led by Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose was appointed to investigate the project's failures. The commission submitted its report to the government.
Political Consequence: This project, once the flagship initiative of the former BRS government, is now considered an example of colossal waste of public money.
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